Search continues for missing Thames hunter

The search for a missing hunter overdue from a trip in rugged bush behind Thames resumes this morning with positive signs the missing man is alive but disorientated.

Waikato Police Search and Rescue Coordinator, Sergeant Phil Bell, said teams were re-entering the bush this morning looking for 39-year-old Thames man, Nigel Cross.

Mr Cross had gone hunting in bush with two dogs, off the Kopu-Hikuai Rd (SH25), early on Thursday night and failed to make a dinner arrangement.

"Yesterday we had six search teams and the Police Eagle helicopter searching for him and teams found an overnight bivvie and signs of a fire," said Mr Bell.

"They then came across a trail of torn bits of plastic which we believe Mr Cross is dropping to help us find him, the plastic bits are from an apron which is the same type he uses in his job."

Overnight a helicopter equipped with thermal imagery and night vision equipment was aloft trying to locate the missing man as searchers believe he was carrying a torch they hoped night vision equipment would detect.

"That didn't happen and the warm weather is negating the use of thermal imagery this morning so it's back to putting teams in on the ground and putting the good old Mk1 eyeball to good use," said Mr Bell.

"We're confident that with the good conditions and the large number of search volunteers that we'll be able to reach a successful conclusion to the search," he said.