Waterfowl hunters applauded for responsible attitude

The start of the 2019 game bird hunting season got off to a great start in the Manawatu last weekend although calm weather conditions favoured the ducks, says Wellington Fish & Game.
Right:Happy hunter Mark Atkinson preps a bird from his successful morning hunt.
“Hunters in good spots did really well on Saturday morning with plenty of birds around but unfortunately Fish & Game can’t do anything about the settled weather,” says manager Phil Teal.
There are still seven weeks left in the waterfowl season (closes June 30). Mr Teal says there are plenty of chances to come with many experienced hunters now awaiting the first big southerly storm or nor-westerly blow.
“This is the weather that really stirs the ducks up and gets them on the move, providing the most exciting and rewarding hunting.”
Ranger teams noted that on Opening Weekend hunters checked were generally very happy and compliance levels were good.
View from the maimai - calm conditions favoured the ducks.
“Most people were playing by the rules and the attention to safety was excellent,” says Mr Teal. “We seized a handful of shotguns and equipment for alleged indiscretions such as hunting without a licence and using lead shot.”
Mr Teal says hunters should be congratulated for being sensitive to issues around firearms safety and the wider public.
“They have been very responsible this season, and Fish & Game would reiterate that there is no room for complacency when dealing with firearms.”
He encourages hunters to remain safe for the rest of season and also get out and make the most of the weeks ahead.
“Given the good duck numbers around this year, those hunters who keep an eye on the weather and get in position for when the weather turns will definitely reap the rewards.”
Categories
Archive
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- December 2013
- March 2013
- September 2012
- July 2012