Game Bird Hunting in North Canterbury

Mallard ducks are the most abundant and popular game bird in the region.

They have adapted well to the developed agricultural land which dominates the North Canterbury landscape. The paradise shelduck is the next most popular species among local hunters, and like the mallard, it also does well in developed land.

The region is also home to significant black swan populations, most of which are found on coastal wetlands. Grey and shoveler ducks are also found in the region but tend to be concentrated in wet swampy areas.

Upland game birds are less prolific than in some other Fish & Game regions but reasonable California quail numbers are present in the middle reaches of the braided river beds. There are small pheasant populations but the birds are abundant enough to withstand heavy hunting pressure.

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