Hawke's Bay > Hunting

FISH & GAME NZ WILD GAME BIRD FOOD FESTIVAL 2008

The Hawke's Bay Fish & Game region is defined by river catchments, extending north to the Mohaka, west to the Ngaruroro, southwest to encompass the Tukituki systems, with the southern border reaching the Tautane Stream just south of Cape Turnagain.

WATERFOWL

The Mallard, Grey Duck and hybrids are the most popular game birds of the region. Both these species respond well to calling and decoying and can be found on most of the region's rivers, streams, dams and lakes. Shoveler are a transient population for most of the season and are renowned for their fast flying and elusiveness.

Paradise Shelduck are wide spread and can be hunted successfully in most locations. Low-lying farmland with water nearby is ideal for hunting using silhouette decoys. If you want to target Parries the pasturelands and riverbeds are a good place to start.

UPLAND GAME

Hawke's Bay hosts a good population of Ring Necked Pheasant and varying numbers of California Quail with the best hunting results occurring in scrubby river margins and forestry plantations with blocks of young trees. Pheasants are predominantly hunted in our major river systems with the Waipawa, Tukituki, Ngaruroro, Tutaekuri and the Esk normally well worth a look. The best hunting is generally where good cover and watering opportunities are found (i.e. river basins), especially where these areas border orchards and/or assorted cropping areas. For most of these areas a dog is recommended as an easier way to cover ground effectively.

WILDLIFE REFUGES

(1) The bed of the Tuki Tuki River between Waimarama Bridge and a line running from the north of the Mangangara Stream to the road at the southwestern corner of Section 9 and 15 in the Te Mata Survey District (8km upstream). (2) Lakes Tutira, Orakei, and Waikopiro and certain surrounding land; (3) Horseshoe Lake, Elsthorpe; (4) The property of R H, J R, and T R Hartree, Puketitiri; (5) The Westshore Ponds; (6) The spit south of the mouth of the Ngaruroro River; (7) Rakautana Forest, Waikoau; (8) Pauhanui Bush, Gwavas Station, Tikokino.
Poaching Problems?

We have set up a 0800 POACHING (0800-762-2446) number. If you witness any fish and game offences let us know as soon as possible.

Wetland Creation

For information and advice on wetland creation contact the staff at your local Fish & Game offices. Wetlands in the Eastern Region are now rare. In some parts less than 1% of the original wetlands remain.
The Habitat Trust fund is one source of funding for enhancement, purchase or development of wetlands.

If you have a proposal to create or enhance a large area of wetland we may be able to assist you obtain funding.

Licences

You can now order your game licence through our 0800-LICENCE number (0800-542-362).