Big water likely to harbour ducks this weekend

The drought may have broken but North Island game bird hunters are being encouraged to think laterally ahead of the opening of the season this weekend.

Despite a deluge of rain in the past fortnight, water levels are still low in many regions, meaning ducks have been flocking to larger rivers, lakes, harbours and estuaries.

“The main positive from the drought is that the ducks will be concentrated in larger bodies of water and hunters targeting those areas are likely to come into contact with larger portions of the local population," Eastern Region Senior Fish & Game Officer Matthew McDougall explained.

Two North Island regions – Eastern and Auckland/Waikato – have responded by limiting their season to four weeks, although Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Wellington hunters will be able to keep hunting mallard and grey duck until the end of June. Upland game birds – pheasant and quail, and other game bird species such as paradise shelduck and black swan - have a longer season extending into July and August depending on the species and region.

The big unknown is what condition the ducks will be in, with food and habitat under pressure during the big dry.

“The last big drought, in 2007-2008, started much earlier in the summer and meant by the time we ran our summer banding programme in January and February, the birds were in really poor condition,” McDougall said. “We had a good breeding season this time around but we're a bit apprehensive that all the benefits of that breeding season may have been undone because of the conditions over the last few months.”

Fish & Game rangers will be out across the country this weekend, checking regulations are being followed, making sure hunters are carrying their licenses and that they’re complying with the ban on using lead shot ammunition in 12-gauge shotguns over open water.

Hunters are reminded to ensure they have everything they need for an enjoyable opening weekend including hunting licences, and the appropriate ammunition for their guns and hunting situation. It is also timely to remind hunters not to mix guns and alcohol, but to wait until the end of the day when firearms are locked away before enjoying a drink with hunting mates.

Hunters are also encouraged to report any banded birds harvested, along with band number, location and date recovered, and their personal details, to help Fish & Game monitor birds and ensure sustainable hunting in future.

Don't forget to check out www.gamebirdfoodfestival.co.nz for the gourmet delights of game bird dishes, including helpful hints on cooking and eating your delicious harvest.
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