Hoping for hunting weather

OPENING DAY: Tony Roseingrave thinks more of the younger generation are taking part this year. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Trade is up, the ducks are there, and the weather's going to be beautiful - but not if you're a duck hunter.

Tony Roseingrave, owner of hunting store King and Henry in Masterton, would prefer a day with low cloud "with hopefully some wind" for the first day of duck-shooting season tomorrow.

However, the forecast is for fine weather.

When asked about sales, Mr Roseingrave said in general things felt "a bit more buoyant" in town for retailers.

As for hunting, he said he was happy with the amount going out the door.

Twelve-gauge ammunition and shotguns remain more popular than 20-gauge, and steel shot - more environmentally friendly - is the dominant ammunition sold.

Lead shot is banned in 12-gauge shotguns over open water.

He said decoys had seen a lot of changes in the hunting industry, with the variety on offer hugely increased.

He pointed out a large Canada goose decoy, complete with bobbing head to imitate feeding.

"In the American market, there's quite a variety over there, we see the consequences of that here."

But there is also New Zealand's unique decoys, including paradise duck male and female pairs.

Some decoys are remote-controlled, including a pair of ducks on poles appearing to land, with whirring cardboard wings making a realistic sound.

Mr Roseingrave said he was a "baby-boomer" hunter and thought numbers had fallen off over the years.

However, this year it felt as if more of the younger generation were participating.

Mr Roseingrave likes the comradeship that hunting provides.

The Wellington region season runs until June 15.