Game Season 2020

Make sure you have your licence on you when hunting, a Ranger can appear at anytime.

Here's what you need to know for the new Game Season.

For a start, here are some key dates and checklists and at the bottom are some helpful info links for you.

March 19 – licences go on sale - click here to buy one! Adult Whole Season $98, Junior Whole Season $23 both inclusive of the $4 Game Bird Habitat stamp.

Stake a claim – Pegging Day (aka tagging, marking) from 10am, Sunday, April 5

• Be ready for Opening Day – Saturday, May 2
• Upland game season dates vary between regions, please be sure to check your local regulations

GAME BIRD HUNTER’S CHECKLIST:

GET YOUR MUST HAVES:

• A game bird hunting licence
• Regulations booklet (that applies to your region)
• ‘Non toxic’ ammunition

GET PERMISSION:

• Confirm access with landowners (say ‘thank you’!)
• Get permits to hunt on Fish & Game, DOC and forestry lands

SORT OUT THE MAIMAI

• Claim your hunting spot with the tag that comes with your licence
• Fix any leaks, rotten boards, seating
• Finish camouflaging maimai with camo net or vegetation Find tips on building a maimai or camouflaging here
• Make sure vegetation isn’t blocking your firing zone or where the ducks will land
• Make sure your access path is cleared and safe to use

CHECK YOUR GEAR

• Clean & rig decoys – get a few new ones if needed
• Ensure your shotgun is in tip-top condition
• Make sure your shotgun magazine complies with the rules – look here for how to put a plug in your magazine
• Check and double-check that you don’t have any lead shot ammunition in your duck hunting bag
• Make sure your boots and waders are still waterproof
• If you are using a kayak or rowboat, ensure it’s shipshape
• If you are hunting on open water, check your lifejackets
• Continue your dog’s fitness regime, check vaccinations & worming

BE SAFE!

• Follow the advice of the Mountain Safety Council, experts in the safe handling of firearms.  Click here.

PRACTICE

• Practice your shooting – organise a clay bird session with your mates before the season starts
• Pattern your shotgun – get to know the ammunition and chokes you are using
• Practice your calling – make sure you know what you are doing with your duck call.  For tips from NZ duck calling champ Hunter Morrow, click here
• Practice with your dog – reinforce the basic commands and have a refresher on retrieving. Remember to keep your dog on a leash when moving through farm stock, or meeting up with other people and their dogs.

Hunting away from home? Check the regulations for the region you’re going to:

http://www.fishandgame.org.nz (click on the region's link for regional hunting info).

Do’s:

• Carry hunting and firearms licence at all times
• Be safe with firearms and on the water - know the seven rules for safe firearm handling - click here
• Be an ambassador for hunters - hunt ethically & responsibly
• Clean your game bird harvest quickly to ensure the best quality meat for your table
• Bury waste after cleaning your birds
• Follow the rules

Don'ts:

• Don't drink & hunt
• Don't leave rubbish at your stand
• Don't be unethical – respect your quarry and the hunting regulations