Game bird hunting in Hawke's Bay
The region is defined by river catchments, extending north to the Mohaka, west to the Ngaruroro, southwest to encompass the Tukituki systems, with the southern border reaching the Tautane Stream just south of Cape Turnagain.
Mallard, grey duck and hybrids are the most popular game birds of the region. Both these species respond well to calling and decoying and are found on most of the region's rivers, streams, dams and lakes. Shoveler are transient birds for most of the season and are renowned for their fast flying and elusiveness. Paradise shelduck are wide spread and can be hunted successfully in most locations. Low lying farmland with water nearby is ideal for hunting using silhouette decoys. If you want to target parries, pastures and river beds are good places to start.
Hawke's Bay hosts a good population of ring-necked pheasant and varying numbers of California quail. The best hunting is in scrubby river margins and forestry plantations with blocks of young trees. Pheasants are mainly hunted in the major river systems with the Waipawa, Tukituki, Ngaruroro and Tutaekuri well worth a look. The best hunting is generally where good cover and watering opportunities are found (i.e. river basins), especially where they border orchards and cropping areas. A dog is recommended as an easier way to cover ground effectively.
Maps
Hawke's Bay Hunting Spots
In this section:

Game Bird Season
* FGNZ5885a * *Make sure you have your licence on you when hunting, a Ranger can appear at anytime.* *2023 Game...
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Overseas Visitors
Hunting for upland game birds and for waterfowl takes place all over New Zealand. Licences Every person who wants to go game...
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Hunting Regulations
Game bird Hunting Regulations and Guides are updated annually. Please be aware at all times of local and national regulations...
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New Zealand Game Bird Species
New Zealand is home to a range of game birds, each with their own particular characteristics and preferences. Early European settlers...
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Banding Together
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Send in Your Duck Band Details
Please send in your band details only - keep your band! 1 Close up of a duck band4. If...
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Where to Hunt Game Birds
The Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game region is defined by river catchments, extending north to the Mohaka, west to the...
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Getting started in game bird hunting
Hunting encourages a variety of activities and the development of values that are important to New Zealanders. Hunters are responsible...
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Hunting Resources
This section has updates on research undertaken by Fish & Game, as well as advice and tips for those wanting...
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Hunting FAQs
BB2csiJULY2017 A ballot winners view Wainono Reserve 2 Our Hunting FAQs cover the answers to our most frequently asked questions...
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Hunting Clubs
There are a number of hunting clubs located within the Hawke's Bay Region. Please check here to see further details...
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