Fish and Game rangers seized eight shotguns from non-compliant hunters in the Whanganui region last weekend.
Taranaki regional manager Glenn Maclean said a number of rangers were out patrolling at the weekend - the opening of the gamebird hunting season.
The shotguns were seized from people at smaller ponds who either didn't have a hunting licence or were using lead shot.
All shot must now be made of steel.
"Generally we were pleased with hunter behaviour, so it's just a bit disappointing," Mr Maclean said.