Wellington Weekly Hunting Report 3rd May 2018

Just two more sleeps to go!

Image right: Waterfowl  absolutely covering a wetland located in the Wellington Fish & Game region (Credit Hamish Carnachan)

The excitement is palpable and this field officer has to confess to being struck with a little duck fever too - A drive around Wairarapa on dusk yesterday saw flights of ducks on the move everywhere!

There's little doubt the duck population is well up on the past few seasons with anecdote about more birds matching our recent mallard counts.

Hunters we've talked to at recent eye opener shoots and retail outlets have been fair fizzing about the number of birds they've seen around the Wellington Fish & Game region too.

The weather looks like it may even play its part over Opening Weekend too with some strong winds forecast for the lower North Island which should move the birds off the bigger water.

 

Be aware that our ranging teams will be out in full force this weekend, right throughout the region, and will be accompanied by Police officers too. Ensure you have your licence on you, practice safe firearms use at all times and know the regs for 2018.     

If you haven't already done so, get your licence here (don't worry, you can use the receipt until your licence arrives in the mail) and get into what looks like one of the best seasons in years.

From all the staff at Wellington Fish & Game, have a great (and safe) Opening!

Here are the prospects for Opening Weekend:

Wellington/Wairarapa

Three day rain forecast

For the latest rain forecast click here

Friday, May 4	Saturday, May 5 (Opening Day)	Sunday, May 6

 

Notices

• Eastern Lake Wairarapa Access: The issue around quad access to the eastern shore of Lake Wairarapa has been miscommunicated, and we apologise for any confusion caused. To clarify: DOC has only closed quad access to Boggy Pond, Matthews Lagoon and through the Wairio Wetland at this stage.
• White Swan At Wairio: Ducks Unlimited has released two white swan (which are pinioned) at the Wairio Block, Lake Wairarapa. A reminder to hunters that it is illegal to shoot these birds.       

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 and river flow information before you head out on the water.