Clear skies made for sub-par conditions as the duck shooting season opened at the weekend, a local hunter says.
James Buckrell, who has been duck shooting since he can remember, said rainy weather was preferable for the sport.
"You want it overcast or even drizzly - that brings the ducks down a lot lower," Mr Buckrell said.
Mr Buckrell had spent Saturday, the opening day of duck shooting season, with "a couple of mates" at Toran Station in Raukawa.
The Hastings-based hunter was pleased with his haul. "We got about 30 all up.
"To be honest the numbers were a little down from last year. I noticed a lot more paradise ducks and a lot fewer mallards.
"Paradise ducks are commonly known as being stupid. Mallards are a lot harder to hunt," Mr Buckrell said.
Despite the scarcity of mallards, Mr Buckrell had enjoyed the day and looked forward to a night shoot this week.
"A bad day duck shooting is better than a good day at work."
Mr Buckrell was sorry to hear about the Hawke's Bay man accidentally shot while duck shooting on Saturday, but said duck shooting accidents were extremely rare.
"For the amount of people that go duck shooting nationwide, the accident number is extremely low."
A Fish and Game representative said paradise ducks were plentiful in the area and some groups claim to have spotted more than 300 birds.
"The big numbers can be attributed to favourable weather conditions and farmers growing good crops."
Hunters were advised to ensure they were up to date with rules and regulations.
The dos and don'ts were all listed on the Fish and Game website and were issued in the 2014 Game Bird Hunting Guide given out when licences were bought.
"If you're unsure of anything, please contact Hawke's Bay Fish and Game to clarify the issue," the representative said.
"Hawke's Bay Fish & Game Council treats breaches of the regulations very seriously in fairness to all the hunters who do stick to the rules."
Police were also advising hunters to strictly enforce safety with firearms as well as personal safety - and adding that hunting and alcohol did not mix well.