Happy hunters’ despite blue skies and sun

As shotguns rang out early on Saturday morning, many hunters were soon sitting back down to enjoy a cuppa in the maimai – as the morning dawned clear and calm across much of the South Island.

“Despite the bright blue skies and still air, less than ideal for good hunting, all regions across the island reported hunters being in good spirits and all enjoyed a good day out with family and friends,” says Andrew Currie, Fish & Game Communications Advisor for the South Island.

Several thousand game bird hunters took to their favourite hunting spot for the opening of the 2015 gamebird season, and according to Fish & Game the bags of birds were more varied than the weather. “Hunters who had prepared well by feeding their ponds, and putting in the effort to ensure an effect decoy layout, reaped the rewards early in the first hour of the season.”

The West Coast was the pick of the regions early on, with overcast conditions and an abundance of birds in the air proving ideal for local hunters. As the day progressed and the wind picked up, hunters on the East Coast saw a change in fortune as birds returned to ponds as the sun set.

Ranging teams ventured out over the weekend in a coordinated compliance effort, with reports on hunters behaviour mainly favourable. Southland returned the most disappointing results with around 20 firearms seized, for “silly and avoidable” offences.

Mr Currie says the majority of offence notices were issued for either no licence or using lead shot over water, and adds “there is no excuse for these offences; they not only cause embarrassment for both the hunter and his or her entire party but will most likely result in a further fine and criminal conviction, on top of the loss of a firearm.

“Our organisation invests a significant amount of time and money trying to ensure those out pursing gamebirds are complying with their responsibilities under the Wildlife Act, and it’s frustrating to see this level of offending continuing.”

Fish & Game was notified of two firearm-related injuries over the weekend, but are unable to make further comment until the police complete their investigations.

“It is obviously regrettable whenever someone is injured in this manner, but given over 35,000 hunters were out over the weekend, the numbers suggest you are, from time to time going to have an incident of this nature.”

Fish & Game, like those involved, is thankful the injuries are non-life threatening, Mr Currie added.

The gamebird season for mallards will continue until the 26th of July for all South Island regions except Southland, where the season finishes on June 28 2015. Those intending on harvesting gamebirds are again urged to check the regulations booklet before venturing out.

Note: Fish & Game sold more than 37,000 game bird licences nationwide last season (2014) – 32,628 adult, 3103 junior and 1364 child licences.

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