Sorry, ballots for 2025 have now closed for junior and novice game bird hunters to access maimais and hunting permits at Otago Fish & Game's managed wetlands. However, you can still apply for a Casual Permit applicable from May 12, 2025, by selecting here. 

Otago Fish & Game has six managed wetlands where licence holders can hunt game birds.

  • Takitakitoa (five mai-mais)
  • Inch Clutha (allocated areas for two groups but no mai-mais)
  • Toko Mouth (one mai-mai)
  • Otokia (two mai-mais)
  • Waitepeka (four ponds)
  • Paerau Wetland (no permanent stands)

A junior hunter must be accompanied by an adult (one adult per junior).

Each permit is for a total of two hunters. 

Balloted permits for the opening period, May 3-11, are limited.

The ballot closed on March 26, 2025. The draw was held on March 27, 2025.

Hunters must have current game bird and firearms licences before entering the wetlands.

Select below to apply for a ballot.

Otago Junior and Novice Hunters Ballot

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