Large North Island area closing to duck hunting

Large North Island area closing to mallard and grey duck hunting

Make the most of this weekend – that’s the message sent out by Fish & Game officers with the mallard and grey duck season set to close this Queen’s Birthday Monday ( June 1) in the Auckland /Waikato and Eastern Regions.

Auckland/ Waikato Manager Ben Wilson says that as always, Fish & Game reminds hunters that there are still weeks left to hunt other game birds.

Both regions had adopted conservative four week mallard and grey duck seasons to aid the early signs of recovery in some of the mallard populations.

"But we urge hunters to make the most of their spend on a hunting licence and take a long look at their Game Bird Hunting Guide for the species which are still in season.”

“Upland game birds including pheasant and quail can be hunted until August 30, along with pukeko which are plentiful and a pest in many areas.

The Auckland / Waikato Region also declared an open season for partridge which will run to August 30, 2015 in all areas. The daily bag limit is 10, with the move in recognition of the increased number of private releases.
Mr Wilson says that paradise shelduck still be hunted until June 28, “but please check your hunting guide for the different bag limits that apply.”
Please be quite clear on the birds which are still in season as there are some big fines for shooting a game bird out of season, he adds.

Fish & Game is also reminding hunters to do the right thing in disposing of bird carcasses, which should be buried or taken to a council waste disposal site property bagged.

Know your game bird seasons ! Check your regulation booklet for these details or the Fish & Game website www.fishandgame.org.nz

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