Both Barrels April 2021

Take a Mate Hunting

For only $4: 2021 Game bird licence holders can take a mate hunting who has not purchased a game bird licence within the last THREE years.

Hunting for the mate will be permitted on opening weekend ONLY for $4.00 which is the cost of the habitat stamp.

The “mates licence” must be purchased through the Northland Fish and Game office in Whangarei.

Email: [email protected]or phone: 09 4384135

The recipient of the mates' licence must be accompanied by an adult whole season licence holder and it only applies within the Northland Fish and Game Region.

The mate must comply with the game bird hunting regulations.

Permits

Forestry and wetland permit fees have been reduced for the casual hunter.

Check out the regulation guide for more information.

Permits are available by contacting the office on Email: [email protected]Phone: 09 4384135

What to expect this season

Paradise numbers have increased slightly from our last trend counts.

Numbers are abundant in the lower Northland area.

Swan numbers have increased especially around Lake Omapere.

The birds are still congregating around water sources as conditions are historically dry.

It appears that greys and mallards have had a good breeding season.

Regulation Changes

Please make yourself familiar with the 2021 regulation guide.

Our season runs from opening weekend to 27 June 2021 for greys, mallards and shoveler ducks.

Paradise shelducks and swans can be hunted up until 1 August.

California quail, brown quail, cock pheasants and pukeko can be hunted out to 29 August.

The paradise shelduck special weekend has been extended out for nine days from 19 February 2022 until 27 February 2022.

Black swan and pukekos can also be hunted during this time.

There are no sub-regions anymore so cock pheasants can be hunted from opening until 29 August throughout Northland.

No limit changes this year.

Swan 20 birds per day.

Paradise shelducks 20 birds per day

NZ shoveler 3 birds per day

Grey/mallard 12 birds per day

California quail and brown quail 10 birds per day

Cock Pheasant 5 birds per day

Graham Gallaghan, Northland Fish & Game Officer.