Northland > Hunting News May 2008

Opening Morning 2008 Northland

Opening morning this year will be remembered for all the right reasons judging by the feedback and responses from Northland hunters.

Higher than normal visible bird numbers and outstanding harvest figures from the National game bird phone survey all added up to excellent shooting across the whole region.

The only hiccup was the previous weeks flooding through the Whangarei District and surrounding areas, which tended to disperse large numbers of birds that were in residence. Affected traditional hotspots such as the Hikurangi Swamp basin were mixed with hunters shooting directly on the river doing poorly whilst those outside of the floodplain having a splendid weekend.

The Bisset Wetland under 4 metres of water

The satisfaction gained from positive feedback certainly makes a change especially when the weather generally calls the shots.

Our southern counterparts unfortunately probably suffered hunting wise as a result of the draughts which northland thankfully missed over summer. We anticipated this might result in birds transiting north to forage and based on hunter response may well have been the case. The transverse movement of these southern birds will inevitably take place so numbers will gradually return to normal. Perhaps us northerners need to pray for a summer draught in the Waikato every year. Great for hunting but less fortunate for the economy.

Bisset Hunters "the smiles say it all"

A common denominator from hunters interviewed was the condition of the birds harvested. Overwhelming comment centred on how fat and prime the birds were whether they were Shelduck, Swan or Mallards and Greys. Having personally shot some Mallards on the weekend I can attest to this comment and can agree that the size and condition was outstanding. Absolutely top table fare.

The initial buzz of opening weekend will slide as birds and prospects diminish however for the hard core there are always places to take good numbers when required. With the second weekend now over, shooters, will look to pond jumping, creek stalking and pasture decoying. Those that are really keen will take advantage of birds seeking shelter in many of Northland’s harbours and estuarine areas. Exploration is the key and for those wanting to try their hand harbour hunting access brochures are available by request through our regional office.

Junior shooters at the Lyndale Preserve near Kawakawa Northland

One final note is the usual incidence of wounding and not retrieving which under the Wildlife Act is an offence. Can hunters please make every endeavour to account for these birds as morally and legally this is the most humane thing to do.

Anyone found to be disregarding this requirement will find that non-compliance will be dealt with seriously and will be very costly.

Until our mid month review and feedback, Tightwads and true shooting.

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