Hawke's Bay> Hunting News Juy 08

Duck Season Results and Upland Tips

The past two spring/summer’s have been very dry in fact they were drought like, and as a result, waterfowl productivity (numbers of young birds produced) has been poor. This was obvious during our banding programme over the summer and was reflected in the lower bag limits for the 2008 season. So even before the season began, we knew it was not going to be a world beater.

As we visited hunters during opening weekend on our usual licence checking exercise, our predictions were confirmed that this season was not going to be a good one. Most hunters were recording low harvests on previous years and many were noting the general lack of birds in the air. It was not all bad news however, as some of those who had put in the extra effort were being rewarded.

 A result of hard work and good preparation.

It was amazing to see the number of hunters who have acquired these new electronic decoys from flappers to dippers, robos to mojos. The pulling power of electronic decoys when they first came out was great. Now they do not seem to have the same affect and it shows just how smart ducks are, as they have wised up to the technology. It is hard to escape the fact that quality, well looked after, realistic decoys are essential for effective waterfowl hunting. Those with average decoys could consider putting a few pennies away each week so you could be setting up a quality spread next season, which along with good calling will have the ducks fooled for sure.

After opening weekend many guns were put away to gather dust until next season, but for those who did not and put in the hours on rivers or dams, managed to pick off low but steady numbers throughout the season.

  A mid-season single being retrieved

So in a wrap up for Hawke’s Bay’s duck shooting season we would say the season was average with low numbers of birds, reflecting the last two years of poor breeding conditions for ducks. That said, if we roll into a wetter Spring/Summer period, expect the hunting to pick up for next season.

Although the season for hunting waterfowl species is over (with the exception of Pukeko and Canada Geese), the season for upland game continues. Upland game in the Hawke’s Bay seems to be on the up. This season so far has been excellent with the number of pheasants around being extremely healthy. Many hunters that we have talked to, that have hunted the wiley old roosters seem to have all had success, with most hunters flushing numerous birds on a single hunt.

For those who are new to the sport, a good dog is vital for successfully hunting pheasant, with spaniels, labs and pointers being the pick of the breeds. Picking the right day is also helpful as warm, sunny, still days will have the birds out in the warmth feeding, this can also be found during rain as the birds do not seem to enjoy being dripped on from above vegetation, wind however will push birds into thicker cover. In Hawke’s Bay, most riverbeds hold birds with the more secluded areas being better than those closer to town. Pheasants are ‘edge’ birds and love feeding on seeds and berries along the edge of two habitat types, so places with this type of feed are a good place to concentrate ones hunting.

 A pair of pheasants caught out feeding on the shrub edge.

Another great upland bird is quail, the most common of these being the Californian quail. Quail favour semi-arid conditions such as shingle riverbeds where they can be found living in pockets of blackberry, broom, bracken or even gorse. They have a strong scent that helps dogs track down their covey and they prefer the warmer conditions as they will follow the sun as they feed. When flushed they make a very distinctive flushing sound. They are small and lighting quick, making them one of the most exhilarating birds to hunt.

 A male California quail out feeding in the sun

So to all upland game hunters, beginner or expert, make the most of what the Hawke’s Bay region has to offer as there are plenty out there for everyone.

For anyone seeking more advice on hunting these birds feel free to come and see us at our Regional Office and we will try our best to point you in the right direction.

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