Nelson Marlborough > Hunting News May 08

Cool start to hunting season

The gamebird hunting season started in its customary way in the Top of the South with clear skies but cool conditions this year.  Hunters hoping for the southerly blast to keep ducks flying low were disappointed with a mixed bag in many areas.  Many hunters have observed there are fewer ducks this year, especially paradise shelduck.  Most hunters, however, were successful with bags noted by rangers from just a few ducks to near bag limit of 15.  There were few sightings of large numbers of ducks in most of the region, except Golden Bay where there were once again many ducks noted in estuaries.

A regional roundup noted frosty and foggy conditions in the upper Buller, with a number of small groups of ducks and mixed fortunes by hunters.  Most were satisfied with more modest bags.  The Vernon Lagoons in Marlborough shot well, especially with the southerly blowing in the afternoon, with a number of hunters at or near bag limits.  Fortunes were more mixed elsewhere in the lower Wairau, but most hunters were content with fair to middling bags.  The Havelock area had a good number of hunters checked by rangers, most of whom had small to medium sized bags.  All hunters there were found to have licences and were shooting with non-toxic shot, although one group were not carrying licences, which is not recommended.

In Golden Bay, one hunter was found by rangers to have no licence and was shooting with lead shot, so will likely face prosecution.  Two other hunters were not carrying licences and may face prosecution if they do not produce licences shortly.  Many ducks were observed on estuaries in the Bay, with many of these appearing to have avoided the hunters.  Most hunters checked had shot some ducks.  In the Waimea Inlet area, there was little bird movement and hunters mainly enjoyed the sunshine.  Some hunters who stayed all day achieved close to bag limits, but overall they were disappointed compared to previous years.  After last year’s exceptionally productive season opening, Tapawera was quieter this year, but most hunters were satisfied with their shooting.

Applications for the Queen’s Birthday Marlborough Goose Hunt close this Wednesday 7th of May, so keen hunters need to get themselves organized for this major event.

For further comment contact Neil Deans 0274394381
 

Neil Deans
Manager
Fish and Game NZ
Nelson Marlborough Region
PO Box 2173, Stoke, Nelson
ph 64 3 544 6382
fax 64 3 544 4058
mobile 0274 394 381

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