More than 65,000 hunters are expected to turn out this weekend for what Fish and Game NZ is predicting to be one of the best game bird shooting seasons in years.
“Some of the wettest spring and summer seasons on record in many regions have meant that the waterfowl population is thriving,” Fish and Game NZ chief executive Corina Jordan said.
“The weather has provided optimum conditions for brood rearing, with plenty of wet and ponded areas providing ample food.”
Corina will be joining other hunters and tangata whenua at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere on opening morning which she said is one of the most longstanding recreational traditions in Aotearoa.
“So much of opening weekend is about the tradition of coming together to spend time with loved ones and enjoying being in the outdoors. Ask hunters and there’s most certainly a wellness aspect to it.
“Often our ranging teams will also encounter three generations hunting from the same maimai – a spot that may, in some cases, have been used by great-great grandparents.”
Corina said that for many, opening weekend may be the only time friends and families come together each year.
“It’s a sort of pilgrimage as much about rekindling friendships and family bonds as harvesting game birds for many people,” she said.
Not only is the first weekend in May a celebration of coming together, but it has also become a significant part of Kiwi culture and heritage, she said.
“The importance of the game bird season is reflected in many parts of the country like no other pursuit. For example, there are towns where shops are shut, open homes aren’t held, and sport – even rugby – isn’t scheduled.
“In many small rural towns, a festival-type atmosphere descends in the week before opening, with shops and houses festooned in camo and duck hunting livery.”
The duck hunters who descend on the dams, ponds and wetlands dotted around the rural hinterland come from all walks of life too, Corina said.
“They are from local rural communities, from further afield in our large urban areas, and some even travel from overseas for opening weekend each year.
“It shouldn’t be overlooked that the thread that pulls this part of the country’s cultural fabric together is the kindness and hospitality of the farmers who host hunters.”
The collective harvest of wild, free-range game birds for friends and family, providing safe, sustainable food for families, cannot be overlooked when the country is in a cost-of-living crisis, she adds.
Thousands of landowners throughout the country will once again welcome friends and family onto their properties for the game bird hunting season, which starts the first weekend in May.
Set safety in your sights this duck hunting season
Te Tari Pūreke – the Firearms Safety Authority and NZ Mountain Safety Council say the start of the gamebird hunting season on Saturday is the highlight of the year for most duck hunters, but it’s also a time to keep safety in mind, Mike McIlraith, Te Tari Pūreke director partnerships said.
“Above all else we want duck hunters to be safe and to return home at the end of the shoot. The vast majority of duck hunters follow the seven safety rules of firearms usage and I encourage them to do the same this year.
“We are reminding people that the seven safety rules have been updated, and to make sure hunters follow the new storage and transportation requirements for firearms and ammunition.
“If you’re driving to or from a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and concealed from view.”
Hunters must also make sure they have permission from the landowner or manager before they go on to any land to hunt, he said.
“When transporting ammunition this needs to be separate to the firearm and locked in a glove box or similar storage area, if practical. Please, whatever else you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.
“Remember, there are no circumstances when firearms or ammunition can be left in a vehicle overnight.
“As you enjoy the day, save the celebratory drinks until after you’ve finished hunting and all firearms are locked away,” Mike said.
NZ Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley said shooters must have a good plan and discuss it with everyone invited along. Set enough time aside to check your kit including first aid kit, food and water for on the day.
“Communication is key. Check in with each other regularly, and that includes confirming firing zones,” he said. “Remember that you are responsible for your own firearm at all times. Handle them safely, transport them safely and store them safely.
“Both Te Tari Pūreke and NZ Mountain Safety Council want hunters to really enjoy duck season, but we want them to do it safely.”
NZ Mountain Safety Council has pulled together a range of tips on how to have a safe and successful hunt this duck season.
