Days left for nabbing a mallard or grey

The season for hunting mallard and grey duck closes this Sunday. Photo/File

The season for hunting mallard and grey duck closes this Sunday with game bird hunters urged to make the most of the remaining days.

The Eastern Region set a longer six week season this year which began on May 7 with a larger bag limit of eight birds a day.

Senior Fish & Game officer Matthew McDougall said the opening weekend was similar to the previous one.

"We expected better, but the fine weather when birds fly high played a big part in making things tough for hunters."

"The hunting improved over the next couple of weeks, but has since tailed off."

Mr McDougall said hunters spoken to by rangers had been well behaved sticking to the rules and regulations.

He said it was pleasing to see a lift in licence sales noting that part of the income is put towards protecting and enhancing game bird habitat.

"After the mallard season closes, it's time to target some other species - for a different sort of hunting challenge."

Paradise shelduck can be hunted until July 3 and quail, cock pheasant, and pukeko until August 28.

Black swan can be hunted up until July 3 in the Taupo area.

Shoveler can no longer be hunted with the season closing at Queen's Birthday Weekend.

"The regulations provide for fines up to $5000 for shooting a game bird out of season, so it's well worth taking some care to identify your target," said Mr McDougall.

Fish & Game is keen to receive band details from hunters who harvest banded birds - or have not yet passed on the details.

Phone 0800 BIRD BAND (0800-247322). Or you'll find a ready-made form to fill out on the Fish & Game website, accessed via the hunting page: http://hunting.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-new-zealand

Those who get their details in by the end of August go into a draw to win one of five hunting jackets provided by Hunting and Fishing New Zealand.