Cases against duck hunters processed

Cases against five hunters are being processed by Fish & Game rangers.

While most Hawke's Bay hunters have enjoyed what Fish & Game described as a good duck hunting season, cases against five hunters were being processed by Fish & Game rangers.

Fish & Game's Hawke's Bay regional manager Mark Venman said since the season
began in May, close to a hundred hunters were checked by rangers.

"While compliance has been relatively good, it is disappointing that some are choosing to ignore the rules," he said.

Three of the hunters were allegedly caught hunting without game bird licences and have had their shotguns seized, one hunter admitted using a .22 air rifle to scare game birds up off the water while another admitted shooting and killing a native pied stilt.

Another four hunters were allegedly found using shotguns that could fire more than three shots. Mark Venman said limiting shotgun magazine capacity to only three rounds was a new regulation for this season.

"Game bird hunters are now required to plug their shotguns so that they hold no more than three shots in total - two rounds in the magazine and one in the breech. The rule is there to help reduce pressure on game bird populations and provide more opportunities for other hunters," Mr Venman said.

Hunters are reminded to report any banded birds they have taken this season.

"The information on the bands is important to help us manage the populations of waterfowl so we encourage all hunters to go to the Fish & Game website or call the local office and report what they have got. They can keep the bands - we just need the information on them," he said.

The region's six-week duck season wrapped up on Sunday , with no more hunting allowed for grey, mallard or shoveler ducks until May next year.

Mr Venman said overall, duck hunters have reported a good season.

"Decent numbers of ducks have been harvested across the region and they have been in good condition, which is encouraging. April's wet weather before hunting began in May meant the ducks were spread out but favourable weather conditions through the six-week season has provided some good hunting opportunities."

However, Mr Venman said hunters shouldn't hang up their guns just because the duck season is over as they could still harvest other birds.

"There are still a few weeks left to target paradise shelduck and black swans while the season runs right through until 27 August for pukeko, Californian quail, and pheasants."

Mr Venman said the region's pheasant hunting opportunities have been boosted thanks to the generosity of local game bird hunting preserves.

"The preserves have generously donated pheasants to be released into public hunting areas. As a result, last spring, we liberated more than 150 cock pheasants along the river corridors in Central Hawke's Bay.

"We appreciate the gesture as it creates the ideal opportunity for experienced hunters to take out junior or novice hunters to experience the thrill of game bird hunting.

"Day licences are now available for those wanting to give game bird hunting a try and they can be bought at your local sports store or directly online," he said.

Mr Venman said that Fish & Game rangers would continue to undertake checks to make sure everyone was following the rules throughout the remainder of the season.