Hunter's shotguns seized in Bay of Plenty

Anthony van Dorp with the shotguns seized from hunters in the Whakatane area over the weekend. Photo/Supplied

Eight shotguns, worth more than $10,000 have been seized after alleged hunting offences on the opening weekend of the new game bird season.

Eastern Region Fish & Game Officer Anthony van Dorp said eight hunters near Whakatane had their shotguns seized for alleged offences including the use of unrestricted guns and banned lead shot.

"Lead shot restrictions have been in force for more than a decade now, and this is the second year of the magazine restriction so such breaches simply won't be tolerated," van Dorp said.

"Our message is that any hunters found using lead shot in breach of the ban, or using shotguns without magazine restrictions in place can expect to have their guns seized, and face further action which could include a court appearance."

Van Dorp said these regulations were not "optional add ons" and were strictly enforced.

"Hunters need to realise these rules are in place for sound conservation and environmental reasons to protect the hunting resources, and hunters are responsible for checking them and making sure they comply."

Van Dorp said on a more positive note it was pleasing to see that all the hunters involved had current hunting licences and rangers would be making further checks as the season continued.

"Please stay on the right side of the regulations and the rangers, and enjoy your hunting to the full."

Van Dorp said Fish & Game and police now joined in combined patrols over opening weekend in many regions.

"While we do our checks police are able to check firearms licences and get across safe handling messages. This is a very positive approach and well received by hunters."

The Eastern Region is one of a number of Fish & Game regions where the number of shots that can be fired is restricted. The 'three shot' rule means that guns must be pinned so that there is no more than one cartridge in the breech and two in the chamber.

Meanwhile senior Fish & Game officer Matt McDougall said pockets of the coastal Bay of Plenty performed really well on the opening weekend with hunters in the Kaituna area for example, getting limit bags.

Elsewhere it was "generally a good start to the season," he said.

McDougall said fine conditions over opening weekend favoured the ducks and made hunting harder meaning there were still lots of ducks out there.