Shooters expect skies thick with ducks

TOP DAY: Rick Anderson (left), of Hawke's Bay, Mike Murray, Masterton, and Mac McMullen, Carterton, with the bag after the first day of duck shooting in 2013.PHOTO/FILE

Game-bird hunting starts this Saturday.

Wellington Fish & Game is picking a much improved season, with increased numbers of ducks in the lower North Island.

Staff have finished their mallard trend counts in the region and are encouraged by results that indicate numbers are the highest in four years.

"We're even hearing long-time hunters talking about how many more ducks are around and our own surveys confirm that," said Wellington Fish & Game manager Phil Teal.

A wet winter and spring afforded excellent conditions for waterfowl breeding, even giving hens a shot at a second brood.

This meant there would probably be more juveniles around, which boded well for hunters.

Fine and settled weather had been forecast for the opening morning, while recent heavy rain had spread the ducks around so, hopefully, most hunters would see birds flying.

"Hunters are still very excited. Like us, they certainly see the season shaping up to be a good one," Mr Teal said.

He pointed out that police officers, Wellington Fish & Game staff and rangers would inspect hunters on public and private land.

Police will check for alcohol and drug use, as well as ensure hunters have firearms licences and follow gun-safety rules.

The team of rangers will make sure hunters have a 2015 Game Bird Licence, are using steel or other non-toxic shot in their 12-gauge shotguns when hunting near water, and comply with the other game-bird regulations including bag limits.

"We generally see good levels of compliance but occasionally there's the odd bad apple who tries to flout the regulations," said Mr Teal.

"After having their shotguns confiscated and being delivered eye-watering fines, they'd tell you that it pays to play by the rules.

"We encourage all hunters to stick to the rules and play it safe this season - no bird is better than no buddy. There's no compromising safety!"

Wellington Fish & Game regulation changes for the 2015-16 season at a glance:

-The mallard and grey duck limit remains the same at six birds per day over the six-week season.

-The summer season for paradise shelduck has been removed. The bag limit for the six-week season is six birds per day.

-The special season for black swan at Queen's Birthday weekend has been removed. The eight-week black-swan bag limit of three birds a day applies across the region.

-Hunters should check the full regulations before heading out this season. These can be found on the Wellington region webpages of the Fish & Game website - www.fishandgame.org.nz