Central South Island > Hunting News May 2008

On farm irrigation creates new Waterfowl Habitats
Hamish Stevens, Fish and Game Officer.
 
Farmers who irrigate under the RDR (Rangitata Diversion Race) command area have realised the true value of a reliable supply of water and are subsequently creating large on farm storage ponds. These storage ponds provide an extra cushion for irrigators when they are faced with restrictions during the summer months and also provide excellent waterfowl habitat in what would otherwise be a pond less landscape. Over the last year the number of ponds built would have doubled and more are going in at present. Some ponds are so large even Canada geese are finding them to their liking with the largest pond rumoured to be about 20 hectares in size! During the annual duck counts it was interesting to note that most of these ponds had waterfowl present but only around half had mai mai’s built on them. Waterfowl have found these large bodies of water to their liking as they offer good loafing sites within large cropping areas. 

Due to these ponds being built on flat ground they tend to have high banks on at least three sides which provide a perfect approach for jump shooting if the birds are on the water. Quite often you can drive past these ponds and see where the birds are to plan your approach.  However ducks are often observed resting on these high banks and even commando’s would have a job sneaking in. Because of this dawn hunting when the birds return from night time feeding areas should be the most productive. Uniform surroundings around these ponds do not favour the hunter so try and use the lowest profile blind possible (coffin blinds would be perfect) matching it with the local vegetation which is commonly lush grass. Decoys are important so take note of what area the birds use, bearing in mind most of the time they will be on the banks so set your decoys to mimic this. Be aware, most of these ponds are deep so wading is out of the question however provided there is a breeze shot birds will float ashore at some stage depending on the size of the water!

I have seen a number of these ponds after the opening weekend and have observed as many as 250 birds on a single pond. The easiest way to find the ponds is on a programme called Google Earth which is able to be downloaded from the internet. Failing that, a drive around the roads below the RDR should turn up some handy ponds. As with any private property get permission from the landholder first and who knows, it could be the beginning of a great relationship. These ponds are likely to get more popular with waterfowl so get out, knock on some doors and take advantage of these great hunting opportunities. 

back to Both Barrels

If you would like to be kept in touch with Gamebird hunting news and other hunting information, please sign up for Both Barrels, our Gamebird hunting email newsletter.