Central Otago gun owners are asked to take their hobby further afield, after a number of near misses

Police say there have been several incidents in Alexandra of guns being fired near people walking in public areas or on conservation land.

Senior Constable Graham Perkins says it's important hunters check their firing zone.

He says Alexandra's changed a lot in the last 20 years - with many farms turning into houses and lifestyle blocks.

Perkins says hunters can drive 20 minutes out of town to be closer to wildlife and further from people.