Game bird season opens this weekend

Media release from Fish & Game NZ

Game bird season opens this weekend

Immediate release: Thursday 5, 2011

With the game bird season opening this weekend, Fish & Game NZ is encouraging experienced hunters to introduce new participants to this Kiwi tradition – young people in particular.

The game bird season begins this Saturday, May 7.

“This season it would be great if experienced hunters would pass on some of their skills, knowledge and passion for game bird hunting to younger people who haven’t given it a shot,” says Fish & Game NZ chief executive Bryce Johnson.

“This is one way we can introduce a new generation to a pursuit that’s part of our outdoor heritage, with its roots going back to the 1900s when New Zealanders first began hunting game to help fill the larder.”

And with food prices on the rise today, game bird hunting remains an excellent way to put healthy, free-range food that has been harvested from the ‘outdoor supermarket’ on the table, he adds.

Fish & Game NZ says all new hunters coming through need to be educated in safe and ethical hunting practices.

“We ask that experienced hunters pass on the following important messages: retrieve all birds, dispose of rubbish, practice safe firearm habits and act responsibly in line with landowners’ wishes,” says Mr Johnson.

“We urge hunters to not only act as mentors, but be proud ambassadors.”

Most of the 40,000 licensed hunters will be turning out around the country for opening day. This is also when rangers will be out in force checking that hunters have a current licence and are complying with the regulations. They may also survey hunters on their success.

Hunters are reminded to check the bag limits and season lengths that apply to their hunting spots. They are also urged to remember the ban on using lead shot within 200 metres of open water.

A key Fish & Game NZ message with the game bird season looming is safety and consideration of other hunters and landowners. Hunters should get re-acquainted with the seven basic rules of safe firearm handling – set out in the NZ Police Arms Code and also on page 6 of your regulation booklet – before heading out this weekend.

“Fish & Game NZ also emphasizes that firearms and alcohol never mix.”

ENDS

Basic Rules for Safe Firearm Handling

1. Treat every firearm as loaded

Check every firearm yourself and pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2. Always point firearms in a safe direction

Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire

Load the magazine only after you reach your shooting area. Load the chamber only when ready to shoot. Completely unload before leaving the shooting area.

4. Identify your target beyond all doubt

Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you. Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise

5. Check your firing zone

Think! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond? Do not fire when you know others are in your firing zone

6. Store firearms and ammunition safely

When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately. And never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended

7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms

- Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.

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