Duck-shooting season starts today with three extra high-tech gadgets at the modern hunter's disposal.
The life-like Flapping Splasher is one of three new decoys designed by Christchurch company Outdoor Outfitters to get the attention of feathered prey overhead.
The remote-controlled, lithium battery-powered decoy flaps its wings just like a realduck and a bilge pump puts an enticing ripple on the water.
"The best thing is they have a remote so they can be turned off," said Quintin Blacklock of Outdoor Outfitters.
"The old ones run constantly so birds get used to them, or the decoy would turn on at the wrong time and scare the birds away."
Purist hunters armed with wooden duck calls may turn their noses up at the fancy wings and water jets of the Flapping Splasher but stockist David Tipple at Gun City said the decoy, priced at $399, had been popular.
Other new designs include a Mallard Motion Feeder or "duck butt" decoy, which simulates a duck bottom feeding, and a Swimming Mallard, which can be controlled from 50m away.
Mr Tipple said most hunters bought all three to maximise their hit rate.
Remove the duck neck, wingtips, bottom and feet and then butterfly before roasting. Make sure you pat dry the carcass.
Apply the dry spice marinate on the inside of the duck, not the skin, and marinate for ½ hour.
After that, place the butterflied duck on a roasting rack, and sprinkle the crushed black pepper, szechuan pepper and salt evenly on the skin of the duck before roasting.
