Auckland / Waikato Fish & Game is hoping for a strong start to the game bird hunting season this weekend – thanks to the wet weather through summer and into autumn.

The Auckland / Waikato Region runs from near Wellsford north of Auckland, south to Mount Ruapehu – including Manukau and western harbours and the Waikato hydro lakes.

Game Bird Manager David Klee says that at this stage it appears the weather will be rough for the opening – providing great duck shooting conditions.

And the opening (Saturday May 7) – comes after no drought for the first time in years, so there are plenty of water areas to give hunters greater opportunity, he says.

“The amount of rain that’s fallen means that many swamps that might otherwise have been dry have water in them, “he says. And with the flooding, a lot of ducks are taking advantage of willow weed in the swamps.

“Ducks will have much greater habitat areas available and won’t need to move as much. It’s likely they will stay close to feed areas and hunters will need to be active, and seek rather than sit.”

Rangers will be out in force over the weekend in joint patrols with honorary rangers and will be targeting areas including private ponds. Hunters can expect to have their licences checked, and if they’re found with lead shot – now banned within 200 metres of open water – it will be seized and prosecution will follow.

Also, hunting without a licence is simply not worth the risk given substantial
fines and the loss of your firearm, says David.

Hunters are reminded to check the bag limits and seasons that apply to their favoured hunting spots. They can either check their regulation booklet for these details or the Fish & Game website www.fishandgame.org.nz

David Klee says another key message to hunters is that hunting and alcohol don’t mix, so please leave your alcohol at home. “Clean your birds and then have a drink – it’s far safer and more enjoyable approach to the game bird season.”

Also, with the wild weather we’ve had, it’s important hunters are careful about safety on the water. Where boats are being used ensure that everyone, and children especially are all wearing lifejackets.

David Klee says Auckland / Waikato Fish & Game is appealing to hunters to contact them if harvest any birds with transmitters attached.

Fish and Game attached the transmitters to 50 ducks at Little Waihi near Maketu in January and February, and is now tracking the mallard and grey ducks through beeps the devices send out.

The information being gathered on range, mortality and harvest rates will help them manage water fowl in the most sustainable manner - for the benefit of hunters. One of the main aims is to try and determine non-harvest mortality rates before the start of the hunting season, says David.

“It is vital that we receive these transmitters back from hunters if they happen to shoot a bird with one attached. Anyone returning a transmitter will go into the draw to win a 2012 whole season hunting licence.”

“Have a safe and successful opening - and expect to see us around.”

ENDS

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