Media release from Hawke's Bay Fish & Game

Hawke's Bay hunters geared up for game bird season

Be safe and stick to the rules - those are the key messages for Hawke’s Bay game bird hunters heading out for the season-opening on Saturday.

Rangers will be out in force throughout the region this weekend, checking hunters have their licences with them and that they're following other rules such as the use of non-toxic shot, says Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game officer Tom Winlove.

Rangers will also be getting out to the more secluded areas, he added, and will be joined by local Police checking firearms laws are being followed.

“It’s all about ensuring hunters are conscious of the laws involved with duck hunting and are following them correctly,” Mr Winlove said. “Safety is also paramount to ensure everyone gets home safely to tell those yarns over the dinner table.”

Although some regions have limited their mallard hunting season, Hawke’s Bay hunters will be able to harvest the ducks for a full eight weeks, until the end of June, while the cock pheasant limit is two per day. All hunters should familiarise themselves with their region’s regulations to ensure they’re complying.

Mr Winlove is encouraging hunters to explore new areas this season, as the impact from the late-summer drought continues to be felt.

“Some hunters simply don’t have water at their usual hunting spots,” he said.

Areas such as rivers could hunt well this season, while pheasant numbers should be in reasonable health.

“Pheasant hunting is a great activity for newbie hunters or even non-hunters, as it is good fitness and great watching hunter and dog work together to put a meal on the table.”

The annual Gamebird Food Festival is running again this season and hunters are encouraged to take part and show their friends the fine dining experience that can be had with your harvested game birds. Check out www.gamebirdfoodfestival.co.nz for more info.

Lastly, hunters are encouraged to return band information to the Fish & Game office as hunters get them. The band number, location and date shot, along with hunter details, are all that are required and can be phoned in to Fish & Game.

Fish & Game would like to wish all hunters a safe and enjoyable start to the duck hunting season this weekend and for any enquiries about the season or game bird hunting or trout fishing in Hawkes Bay phone the Fish & Game office on (06) 844 2460 or visit their website at www.fishandgame.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media