Hawke's Bay> Hunting News April 08

Hawkes Bay Game Season 2008
By Thomas Winlove

Preparation for the start of the ever important duck shooting season began in early 2008 with the duck banding programme. The wetland sites that have been used in previous years were once again used this year as they have been reliable in producing good numbers of dabbling ducks. There are three sites; one near Waipukurau, one on Lake Rotokare which is situated North-West of Hastings off Highway 50 and the third is approximately six kilometres south of the Napier-Taupo road. The wide dispersion of these sites ensures we collect a random sample of birds from across the entire Hawkes Bay Fish and Game region. 

A well established wetland producing good numbers of ducks

Trapping Process: The first part of the banding process involves getting the ducks on the feed (maize), then slowly over days shifting this feed from the water onto the land and margins of the wetland. While this movement of feed is occurring 4-6 mesh netting traps per site are ever so slowly being erected. Food is placed in and around these traps to encourage birds to feed around, through and under the different parts of the traps, this helps build their confidence in feeding around these unfamiliar structures. By this time (2-3weeks from commencement) the traps are often close to being fully erected, with only the trap door left to be closed. By this time it is not uncommon to have 100-300 birds feeding through and around the traps each day, the general idea is that 10kilos of maize eaten a day means 100 birds have been there. Once we are happy with the number of birds feeding at a site we will close off the exit door and secure the trap in the afternoon, lay out the feed and arrive early the next day ready to band. 

Ducks trapped and ready for banding

Pest Control: The other very important part of the programme is to ensure that pests such as cats, stoats and ferrets do not disturb the birds. At each wetland we set a number of traps to ensure any pest present does not get the chance to disturb and scare off any birds. This process is vital to ensure the success of the programme and we encourage people to do this at their own wetlands, especially if people want the most out of their wetland. It also becomes a money saver when feeding out pre-season as more food equals more birds, but unfortunately this also equals more pests.

Banding Process: We arrive early morning on the day after traps are closed. Each bird is aged (Juvenile/Adult), sexed (Male/Female) and then a band placed around the leg. Each band has a unique number and while each bird is being sexed and aged these details are noted down by the corresponding band number. This data is then put into a database for evaluation. From this data we can estimate the productivity of the breeding season, and using this information the seasons bag limits can be decided accordingly.

We use band returns to calculate harvest rates using details of bands returned to us. We ask those who shoot a bird with a band to either post in the band to your regional Fish and Game Office or to phone in with the details from that band. Free licenses for the following years hunting season will be drawn out from those who return this information to us, as this information is important to assist us in better managing your resources. 

 A Fish and Game staff member carefully fixing leg band

Season ahead: The summer season has once again been very dry in the Hawkes Bay region and with this many farm dams and creeks have dried up and river levels dropped. With this lack of water the ducks are seeking refuge in larger bodies of water. So if weather persists hunters with access to good water sources will do well come opening weekend if conditions favour. Look to take advantage of the great access to the regions rivers. Last year the river hunting was great as birds congregated in the rivers while it was so dry.

Conditions in Central Hawkes Bay along with the increase of pastoral farming has seen large numbers of Paradise Shelduck produced. These Paradise numbers will make for some great shooting and we encourage hunters to target this species just as much as the Mallard. For those who may not have direct access to such hunting opportunities visit some of the local farmers and see if they will let you onto their property, as many farmers will be happy to see parries hunted, just remember it never hurts to ask. 

 Early morning shooting action on parries

So to all those heading out early morning on the 3rd of May, Good Luck, Hot Barrels, Be Safe and Remember Your Licence!

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