Both Barrels - May 2016.
Fine and calm conditions greeted many hunters on Opening Day…causing some in places like Otago to reflect that it was about the tenth fine opening in a row!
So not unusually, success was mixed. Duck flew high as hunters applied the sun block in many places, and in Nelson-Marlborough some folk reckoned it was the warmest opening ever! In one or two areas like the West Coast, conditions were ideal with fog and low cloud all through the lower river valleys.
Yet again, the happy buzz of another hunting season kick off was marred by no fewer than three incidents, including one where a nine year-old boy was shot in the foot.
We're sure that all those people involved THOUGHT they were behaving safely. Instead of risking injury through complacency, who not put yourself through a little refresher on firearm safety? The Mountain Safety Council has lots of useful info from safety tips to free downloadable brochures.
On a happier note, apart from the odd hot spot, rangers found most hunters complying well with the rules & regulations.
And weather-wise, good old southerlies and rain have kicked in since opening, prompting ducks to start flying and putting many hunters in a better mood.
The season has weeks left to run – and there are ute-loads of opportunities still out there – with the season for pukeko, black swan pheasant and quail running to August 28 in most areas (see below for more info).
Remember that hunters in the big Eastern Region can now take advantage of being able to hunt the 20-odd Crown-owned wetlands around the region administered by Fish Game.
'Walk in' or casual permits are being issued for most of these balloted reserves. They can be obtained by phoning or writing to the Eastern Region Fish & Game office.
P.S. This month's cover picture from Jacob Lucas shows Marcus Girvan, Joe Martin and Fonzy.
P.P.S - If you think you've got an image worthy of featuring on our 'cover', email it to Don Rood for consideration.
