Duck Hunters: Stake your claim now

Time to stake a claim before duck shooting season begins.

Fish & Game is reminding game bird hunters to stake their claim for their maimai or duck shooting stand before the start of the new hunting season on May 6.

If a hunter wants to retain their favourite spot, they need to do it before 10am on Sunday April 9. Hunters with an existing maimai who have already purchased a new 2017-18 game bird licence are able to stake their claim before 10am on April 9. Other hunters wanting to stake their claim over an unclaimed maimai must wait until after 10am on that date.

Rules state that hunters need to be at the maimai within one hour of the opening hour of hunting. If they aren't there within that time, the spot can be used by any other licensed hunter for the rest of the day.

To reclaim your spot for the upcoming season you first need to buy your 2017-18 Game Bird Licence, which contains your claim tag.

To buy a licence, go to the Fish & Game website's licence page.

It is crucial hunters also check the regional regulations for the areas they intend to hunt for any changes to rules before heading out on Opening Day. The West Coast Region is introducing a five-shot rule this season, and Wellington is banning magazine extensions for shotguns.

The longer season for upland game birds, including pheasants and quail, runs from May 6 to August 27 in a number of regions. Contact the Fish & Game Office in your region for hunting conditions and opportunities, www.fishandgame.org.nz