REBECCA HARPER
For a close-knit group of 11 Central Hawke's Bay boys, opening duckshooting weekend this year is a special time to remember their mate George Moore, a key member of the team.
They call themselves the Duck Harvesters, and say duckshooting opening weekend is "the best weekend of the year".
But this
year is a little different. Although they will be enjoying the weekend, duckingshooting will never be the same after their close mate and Sam Moore's brother, George, died in a car accident in late March at the age of 21.
This year there is a special trophy in memory of George for the person with the most ducks at the end of the weekend.
Friend and shooter Nick Hewitt says: "duckshooting this year will be sobered by the loss of a close friend," but they all look on it as a chance to reminisce and think of all the good times they had with George.
The boys have been keenly anticipating the dawning of 6.15am today, heralding the beginning of the season, for several weeks.
Five of the group - Dan Harper, Sam Moore, Peter Bousfield, Phillip Tidswell and Hewitt spoke to Hawke's Bay Today. The boys are shooting at a dam near Porangahau this weekend and say they have been shooting together "since we could fire a shot".
When asked what duckshooting means to them, it becomes apparent it's not all about shooting ducks.
"It's about being together with all your mates, catching up with everyone - we could get no ducks and it would be great," says team leader Harper.
They were quick to point out that last year 125 ducks were bagged and "we usually get our limit".
The buildup to duckshooting involves scrubbing the hides and, this year, feeding out three tonnes of barley found on the side of the road.
"Special thanks to Hermanson Contracting for crashing a tractor and providing the duck feed," Harper said.
