Hunting News & Events

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 11th 2021 – licences go on sale - click here to buy one! Adult $98, Junior $23

Stake a claim – Marking Up Day (aka tagging, pegging) from 10am, Sunday, March 28th 2021

Be ready for Opening Day – Saturday, May 1st 2021
Upland game season dates vary between regions, please be sure to check your local regulations

GET YOUR MUST HAVES:

2019 Game Bird licence image4

GET PERMISSION:

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

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).

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