Every year upwards of 40,000 people buy licences to go game bird hunting.
"On top of that, landowners and some members of their family can hunt on their own properties without a licence, so the actual number of hunters is bigger than licence sales indicate."
Taylor said the environment also benefited from the sale of game bird licences.
"All hunting licences are required to have a game bird habitat stamp on them to be valid. The money raised from the sale of these stamps is used to enhance wetlands and other environments.
"It is not only game birds which benefit – native species also benefit from Fish & Game's active efforts to protect our wild places, especially wetlands."
He is urging non-hunters to also buy a habitat stamp.
"You don't have to be a hunter to buy a habitat stamp, which will help the environment – anyone can go and buy one and do their bit to protect vital wetlands."
The chances of bagging a duck dinner on Opening Weekend are looking good, based on field observations and population assessment.
Fish & Game staff said many parts of the country had experienced a good duck breeding season.
The game bird season opens nationwide on Saturday May 5 and closes on August 27 for upland game like pheasant and quail, while duck season closes earlier depending on individual regions.
Game bird licences are available at sports stores or on-line through the Fish & Game website www.fishandgame.org.nz
