Central South Island > Hunting News May 2009

Opening weekend was a mixed bag in the Central South Island Region. On the morning of opening there was brilliant sunshine and calm conditions meaning ducks were still flying high. Later in the afternoon there was a slight breeze movement leading to better decoy spreads and a ripple on the water.

Some hunters on Lake Waitaki were disadvantaged as flooding meant they could not access their hides. Hunters on the Waitaki River did poorly as the river was in high flood and hunting on the flood bed was almost impossible.

Hunters who took advantage of flooded pastures and those to the north and south fared better. Rangers reported good compliance and although the weather did not help much there was still some good hunting for those who had put in the effort.

As the season progresses, the wind and rain accompanying a Southerly on the second weekend kept birds flying and some hunters heading out in mid-season report there any plenty of birds to be had and are reporting good harvests. Newly flooded areas are providing excellent opportunities for hunting.

Hamish Stevens, Fish & Game Officer, Central South Island

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