Both Barrels June 2024 - Auckland/Waikato

The team at Fish & Game hopes you all have had a great season so far. While the dabbling duck season has ended, it's worth remembering that the paradise duck season will continue until the end of the month, giving you another two weekends of hunting.   

Photo Above: A recently created wetland in Waikato will provide ducks with a good habitat during the coming breeding season.  

For those who want to get the most out of their licence, pūkeko, pheasants and quail are open for hunting until August 25th. Despite some old wives’ tales, pūkeko can be very good eating.  The tough reputation pūkeko get is mostly due to their leg meat, which, unless done confit style, can be a bit hard to get behind.  

A straightforward method of preparing pukes is to marinate the breasts in milk overnight, then season with salt and pepper, panko crumb, and panfry in a neutral oil. Like with duck, you want to aim for medium-rare.  

Also, if you want to try pheasant shooting, a good place to go is the Rayonier forestry blocks, wiich include the Tairua (Coromandel), Maramarua (east of Meremere), Waihou (Kaimai ranges), and Mahurangi (near Warkworth) Forests. F&G can issue a whole-season access permit on behalf of Rayonier for $50. These are for use on Weekends only.  

Please select here for information on forest permits.   

Last but not least, remember to report the tag numbers if you shot a banded duck this season. This can either be done online, or you can call 0800 Birdband. 

If you get your bands in before the end of August you have a shot at being one of the five lucky people who will walk away with a new set of decoys (generously provided by Hunting & Fishing NZ in association with Avery).  

To enter in your band details – please select here.