Eastern> Hunting News May 08

PATCHY START TO LOCAL GAME BIRD SEASON

The opening of the 2008 Game Bird hunting season got off to a mixed start on the weekend with hunters over the larger water areas doing very well while those on smaller ponds struggled to attract the birds.  Fish & Game Regional Manager Rob Pitkethley said “Many of the hunters that put the preparation in, and had areas with permanent water had their bag limits relatively early in the morning.”  The bag limits were restricted in the Eastern Fish & Game Region this year due to the effect the drought had on bird numbers, and there was concern that the condition of the ducks were also going to be poor.  “The maize harvest around the region looks to have been good for the birds with very well conditioned ducks being taken around the Gisborne area.  The Bay of Plenty birds have also reportedly been in good condition, so it looks as though the late summer produced some much needed feed for the birds going into the winter.  For those hunters that had a hard time at opening it will definitely be worth persevering for the remainder of the season” Mr Pitkethley said.

Fish & Game Rangers in the Eastern Region checked just under 200 hunters over the weekend, in areas from Lake Otamangakau south of Taupo through to the Bay of Plenty Coast.  Only five offences were detected, including hunting without a licence, shooting over the bag limit, and hunting with lead shot.  “The level of compliance with the hunting regulations was good, and the proportion of offences detected was similar to the last few years” Mr Pitkethley said.  Offences against the Game Season conditions could attract a fine of up to $5000 under the Wildlife Act.

The Game Bird hunting season for most species of waterfowl continues until 29 June, while upland game hunters chasing pheasant and quail can hunt these birds through to the 31 August.  The dry summer should have been great for pheasants Mr Pitkethley said, so hunters should make the most of the season as it extends through the winter.  The Eastern Fish & Game Region is the premier area for pheasant hunting in New Zealand with half of the estimated national pheasant harvest taken in the Eastern Region.  “The large production forests are a real asset to New Zealand pheasant hunting and hunters need to ensure they have the necessary access permits to use the forests.”  These permits are available from ISCL in Rotorua and they can be contacted on 07 347 8880.

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