Duck shooting season begins with a bang
Christmas came early on Saturday for the 60,000 Kiwis out enjoying the start of the game-bird season, Fish and Game NZ says.
For hunters, the first weekend of May is like another Christmas when friends and family come together for a fun day out, and for many, it’s a tradition that goes back generations.
“Opening weekend is a high point in the rural calendar, and people from cities travel to wetlands and waterways far and wide to be part of it,” Fish and Game NZ chief executive Corina Jordan said.
“The excitement has been building, and I’ve been sorting my decoys, training my dog and working on preparations, as have many of my friends and family. However, like most in Fish and Game, we spend the opening weekend working and supporting our ranging teams and hunters across the country. Like most of my colleagues, I’ll get my chance for a hunt in the coming days.”
Jordan said feedback from hunters on the opening day had been positive.
“We could have done with some rougher weather to get the birds moving more, but it sounds like it’s been a great day with lots of birds for the table or the freezer tonight.
“The great thing is conditions will improve in the coming weeks.
“We’ve had a couple of good breeding seasons, and more rain and rough weather will mean birds disperse out to ponds and other wetlands, providing more hunting opportunities.
“Regardless of conditions, we know hunters will have a good time — they love getting out with their dogs and spending time with friends and family. Hunting is also a great way to get kids off their devices, out in the fresh air, teach important skills, instil a desire to protect the environment and help them learn independence.
“Women are also increasingly getting out and having a go, and my experience is that it’s liberating. It’s time to share with your hunting buddies, and you can bring back something delicious for dinner.”
Lower North Island’s Fish and Game officer Hamish Carnachan said fine weather on opening morning across the lower North Island had given ducks the early advantage.
“Blue skies and light winds are not what the hunters prefer, as this allows the waterfowl to fly high in search of large water bodies where they will congregate out of reach of hunters.
“Combined with the exceptional period of settled weather prior to the season and near drought conditions, the birds had a very patchy distribution. Some hunters did very well, whereas others had to work harder, but most enjoyed the tradition of getting out with friends and family, and, of course, working the dog to bring a few birds home for dinner.
“The main hunting season for waterfowl runs for eight weeks until June 30 in the Wellington and Taranaki regions.”