18 February 2013

Media Release

Calling all game bird hunters

The summer season is now open for hunting paradise shelducks “parries” - and a recent aerial survey suggests bird numbers in the North Canterbury Fish & Game region are high.

11,456 birds were counted in the survey, undertaken by fixed wing aircraft. The total number represents the highest trend count since 2002.

“Let’s get out there and help local landowners to keep the population stable.” urges Tony Hawker field officer, North Canterbury Fish & Game.

The North Canterbury region comprises two separate hunting areas, and the season is only open in area B for paradise shelduck. Area A runs east of SH1 from the Rakaia River to the South (including Lake Ellesmere and Banks Peninsula), to Woodend Beach Road in the North. Everywhere else in the North Canterbury region is Area B and is open for the summer season. The shooting hours are from 5am to 10pm.

“If hunters are unsure of the areas or regulations, please contact our local Fish & Game office on 0800 FISHANDGAME (0800 347426) for more information.”

Hawker reminds hunters that shooting game birds on private land requires permission; this can be as simple as a knock on the door.

“Given the volume we encountered, I would say most landowners would be very happy to have the numbers reduced to prevent extensive crop damage and it also provides an opportunity for the hunters to ‘get their eye in’ before the forthcoming game bird season opens on Saturday May 4th.”

The summer season runs from the 4th of February to the 26th of March and hunters must have a valid 2012/2013 Game Bird Licence; there is a daily bag limit of 20 birds.

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