Rural crime officers hit the back roads over the three-day weekend for Operation Devil Ark - a high-visibility blitz on illegal hunting.

Officers combed hunting and camping hotspots in and around Nundle, Murrurundi, Barrington Tops, Moonan Flat and other areas across the Upper Hunter.

It's understood hundreds of campers, hunters and trail bike riders descended on the area as a weekend escape - something that has been prohibited during the COVID crisis.

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Police said illegal hunting offences; trespass; firearms compliance; stock movements; road offences and other criminal behaviour were the target of the operation.

As part of the blitz, police carried out three stock carrier and vehicle inspections, issuing some infringements; and stopped more than 60 drivers for RBTs; as well as performing 14 safe storage compliance checks of firearms holders on the move, and on nearby properties.

During the operation, police said they also discovered stock thefts that had been unreported.

"We received a substantial amount of quality information over the weekend about rural crimes being committed in these areas, and we will continue to support the farmers and landholders that provided this information," State Rural Crime Coordinator Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside said.

Detective Whiteside said investigators obtained valuable information and were able to meet and talk with landholders on the ground about other rural crime issues.

"This is a great example of local police working alongside the Rural Crime Prevention Team to prevent rural crimes, whilst disrupting those that prey upon our farmers," he said.

"These operations are not only conducted on long weekends, you can expect to see our Rural Crime Investigators out and about, working with local police, anytime - day or night."