Best start in years predicted for duck shooting season

PROSPECTS GOOD: The duck and upland shooting seasons begin on May 6, and Fish and Game predict a good start to the season with plenty of ducks around, perhaps the best start in four years. File picture

Fish and Game predicts a great start to the duck season in this region on May 6 because there appear to be plenty of ducks about.

Mallard and grey duck numbers have been low in recent years which has forced Fish and Game to apply restrictive bag limits.

“This season the prospects look the best they have in four years,” Fish and Game senior officer Matthew McDougall said.

“We banded 1600 ducks and could have done more if it wasn’t for Cyclone Gabrielle.

“The trapping numbers, brood counts and our modelling all indicate it has been a good breeding season so hunters should be very happy,” he said.

“However, despite the breeding season, the numbers of adult hen mallards are still low, so a restrictive bag limit will still apply.

“Mallard and grey ducks can be hunted from opening day on May 6 until June 5 in the Eastern Fish and Game region and hunters can bag six birds per day.”

Duck hunting is a popular and traditional sport among Kiwis. It often embraces several family generations, with the opening weekend being the highlight of the year.

Fish and Game believes about 36,000 hunters will be pointing barrels to the sky around New Zealand on opening morning.

“It’s a great chance to get out there with friends, family members — and don’t forget the dog — and harvest some tasty wild food,” Mr McDougall said.

“Hunters who want to introduce a mate to game bird hunting can apply for a “Take a Mate” hunting licence by contacting the Eastern office.

“Black swan, pukeko and shoveler duck numbers appear to be on par with previous years and paradise shelduck numbers were looking OK before the cyclones hit over summer.

“Hunters are reminded that good preparation makes for safe and successful hunting,” Mr McDougall said.

“Preparing the decoys, brushing up the maimai, getting in some target practice, training the dog and getting a game bird hunting licence are just a few of the things on the keen duck hunter’s checklist.”