Fish & Game urges proactive approach to combat game bird crop damage

Northland Fish & Game is urging farmers to make plans now for reducing the damage that can be caused by large flocks of Paradise shelduck.

Fish & Game Officer Nathan Burkepile says that with summer approaching, farmers will start to see large groups of Paradise shelduck moving into their newly-planted crops, or onto their irrigation lakes.

“Northland Fish and Game urges farmers to plan ahead to reduce the damage done by these flocks,” he says. “We encourage farmers to place bird-scaring equipment out before the new grass or crops start emerging and providing birds with an easy source of food.”

Mr Burkepile says that farmers who have problems with Paradise shelduck on their irrigation lakes should start scaring the birds off before they start moulting in January.

Bird-scaring cannons can be hired through the Northland Fish & Game office for $50.00 (plus GST) a week per gun. He says this includes free delivery and set up by a Fish & Game officer. A full LPG gas cylinder is also included as part of the fee for hiring the bird-scaring guns.

“However, we encourage farmers with chronic problems to buy their own equipment, which will save them time and money in the long run.”

Mr Burkepile says that the Northland office is only too pleased to discuss farmers’ concerns or questions, to help them come up with suitable cost-effective solutions. Please contact Northland Fish & Game on 09- 438 4135, or email us at northland@fishandgame.org.nz

ENDS

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