Wellington Weekly Hunting Report - 2 May 2019

Just Two More Sleeps 'Til Opening!

Right: Getting set - Hunters are counting down the last few days until Opening 2019 (Photo Hamish Carnachan).

The excitement is certainly building around the region with just two more sleeps until Opening – Saturday, May 4.

The high level of hunter interest reflects the good number of mallards around the lower North Island this season. 

While the weather is looking a little settled for Opening morning, winds are forecast to build from Saturday afternoon and a southerly change should stir the birds up again in the bottom part of the region when it comes through Sunday.

Combined with good rain and strong winds at the start of the week, the ducks should be well dispersed and provide good opportunities for hunters over Opening Weekend. 

Rangers will be out in force this Saturday and Sunday so please ensure you have your licence and are familiar with the regs.    

We hope you have a safe and successful season. Here are the prospects for Opening Weekend:

Wellington/Wairarapa

Three day rain forecast

For the latest rain forecast click here

Friday, May 3, 9am.	Saturday, May 4, 9am - Opening Day.	Sunday, May 5, 9am

 

Grab A Snag At Boggy Pond

Fish & Game rangers will be onsite at Boggy Pond and Matthews Lagoon on Friday evening, greeting hunters and ensuring they have their licences, are up to date with the regs and are aware of hunting structure requirements.   

Rangers will be manning a BBQ at the entrance to the Boggy Pond stopbank track and hunters are invited to drop in for a snag and a chat. 

Changes to Firearms Law

Is your shotgun legal after recent changes to firearms law?

Check out the advice on the NZ Police website here. 

Check, Clean, Dry

There's a lot of movement between waterways by hunters at this time of year and over the course of the season. 

Please be responsible and ensure you check, clean and dry all gear by the approved methods to avoid transporting unwanted organisms and pest plants. 

For more info on how to decontaminate gear, click here.  

Boats On The Manawatu

We've had a number of complaints from hunters on the Manawatu River about people cruising the waterway and shooting ducks from motorized boats.  

Shooting from boats moving under power is illegal. Rangers will be vigilant in the area this season.  

The tolerance of law-abiding hunters is also wearing thin - remember that most hunters have a camera on their phones these days and we'll be following up on any leads provided to us. 

Hunter Safety

Safe start to season 

Wellington Fish & Game is urging hunters to take utmost care this game bird hunting season. Please refresh yourself with the seven golden rules of firearms safety below: 

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED

- Check every firearm yourself.
- Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2. ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. LOAD A FIREARM ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE
- Load the magazine only after you reach your hunting area.
- Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.
- Completely unload before leaving the hunting area.

4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT
- Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.
- Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise.

5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE
- THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?
- Do not fire if you know others are in your firing zone.

6. STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SAFELY
- When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.
- Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended.

7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS
- Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.

*This report was accurate at time of writing - please ensure you check the latest weather information before you head out.