Duck hunting season drawing to close

FILE

While Monday marks the end of the hunting season for mallard and grey ducks in the Eastern Fish & Game Region - which includes Rotorua and surrounds - there are weeks remaining to target other game birds.

Eastern Region staff opted for a conservative four week mallard and grey duck season, even though there were some encouraging signs that mallard populations were beginning to recover, said Senior Fish & Game Officer Matthew McDougall.

"But we urge hunters to take a second look at their Game Bird Hunting Guide - as there is no need to pack up your hunting gear just yet.

"Upland game birds including pheasant and quail can be hunted until August 30, along with pukeko which are plentiful and a pest in many areas.

"In certain areas black swan can also be hunted up until this date. Paradise shelduck can also be hunted until June 28 (longer in the B1 area)."

Mr McDougall said the seasons set by the Eastern Region Council for the different species had been based on ongoing and rigorous population studies, including hunter surveys, and monitoring that included aerial flyovers and summer banding work.

"But we stress again that hunters need to study the guide and be clear on the birds still in season as there are some big fines for shooting a game bird out of season and rangers will be out and about."

Fish & Game still wants to hear from hunters who harvest any birds with bands - by using Fish & Game's website form, or phoning or emailing in details of the bird and its band number.

Those who do so can again go in the Banding Together draw to win one of five camo hunting jackets provided by Hunting and Fishing New Zealand. The cut-off for entering is the end of August.

For more go to www.fishandgame.org.nz.