Early European settlers introduced 25 different species of waterfowl and 29 species of upland game birds to New Zealand for hunting.
Only four species of waterfowl established, and of the upland game birds, only Californian quail, brown quail, chukor and pheasant remain in huntable populations.
The full list of New Zealand game birds declared to be game (as set out in the First Schedule of the Wildlife Act 1953) can be found here.
Information on the hunting status of Canada geese (following the species being removed from the First Schedule of the Wildlife Act 1953) can be found here.
Fish & Game New Zealand, and every person who hunts game birds in NZ, has a responsibility to understand and manage the welfare of each species for future generations to enjoy. Understanding even a little about the behaviour of individual species can make your hunting significantly more successful.
Fish & Game NZ staff count waterfowl populations and evaluate their habitat each year.
The New Zealand native Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus) is a large, blue-purplish, wetland-dwelling bird.
There are four key waterfowl species which are protected, and cannot be hunted in New Zealand.
Upland game hunting is a different ball game to waterfowl hunting. This exciting and challenging pastime requires different techniques and often plenty of walking!