Duck numbers up as hunting begins

Duck hunters are hoping for a less disrupted season.

Central South Island (CSI) Fish and Game officer Rhys Adams said early indications were for a slight increase in licence numbers over the past two years, with close to 2000 already processed before yesterday, with the season opening today.

‘‘The opening weekend of the duck season is a much-anticipated event around New Zealand, famed for reconnecting friends and family and providing free-range duck dinners,’’ Adams said.

‘‘Hunters should have their location for the season sorted, the maimai tidied up and ready for a final touch-up before the decoys go out . . .’’

Brent Growcott, who resides in North Otago, but hunts in South Canterbury, said he was looking forward to a full season.

‘‘Covid-19 meant everything had to be put out by a few weeks last year, which was a bit frustrating.

‘‘However, we were also lucky to get the hauls we got over last season, and we made the most of it.’’

Growcott, who has been a duck hunter for more than 30 years, said he enjoys the social aspect.

‘‘It’s about catching up with friends and putting some food on the table. A good hunter needs to be ethical and respect the resource.’’

Connor Carlaw, of Timaru, said he was looking forward to hunting in the Wainono catchment.

‘‘The competition there is fierce, you really have to work for your birds, you have to be an expert caller. I’ve been hunting there for more than 20 seasons, and it’s always been a good time. We try to go every weekend of May, and we usually harvest enough birds to fill the fridge.’’

Carlaw said 2020 was disappointing due to Covid, but ‘‘at least we managed to get something last year, so we shouldn’t complain too much’’.

Adams said for the last two openings weekends, hunting at Wainono was touted as some of the most successful in recent memory and Fish & Game anticipate it will be just as good this year.

‘‘Mallard numbers are high with 4490 counted on the survey day, black swan numbers are way up at 2500 birds and we encourage you to take your bag limit of five birds, shoveler numbers are strong while ‘parry’ numbers are moderate.’’

CSI compliance co-ordinator Hamish Stevens says rangers will be out throughout opening weekend.

‘‘Hunters are reminded to purchase their licences and carry them while hunting and review the rules and bag limits for their particular area.

‘‘Hunters need to check their ammunition complies with new rules around the possession and use of lead shot within 200 metres of open water – lead shot is not permitted except in .410 cartridges.

Stevens said the consequences of being caught breaching the game regulations were significant, as hunters could face seizure of their shot guns, ammunition and birds, and a court appearance.