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North Canterbury > Hunting
Mallard ducks are the most abundant and popular game bird in the region. They have adapted well to the developed agricultural land which dominates the North Canterbury landscape. The paradise shelduck is the next most popular species among hunters in the region and like the mallard, also does well in developed land. The North Canterbury region offers the best Canada goose hunting in the country. Large numbers of this premier game bird are available in both high and low country environments. The region also sustains significant black swan populations, most of which are found on coastal wetlands. Grey and Shoveler ducks are present in the region but do not favour open, developed land and tend to be concentrated onto wet, swampy areas.
Upland game birds are less prolific than in some other Fish & Game regions but reasonable California quail numbers are present in the middle reaches of the braided riverbeds. Small pheasant populations are also present, but are not sufficiently abundant to withstand heavy hunting pressure.
The North Canterbury region is a mix of public and private land. Most of the public land is administered by the Canterbury Regional Council and the Department of Conservation. Either of these organisations, or Fish & Game North Canterbury, will be able to assist you with any access inquiries relating to public land. Fish & Game North Canterbury has a "Gamebird Hunter Access" publication available to assist hunters with access issues and it is available from the Fish & Game office or from major game licence outlets.
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