Otago > Hunting News June 07

Beyond Opening Weekend

There has been plenty said about the poor opening due to clear and calm weather conditions but things have changed somewhat since then. The east coast and central areas received a polar blast of cold weather from the south bringing strong winds and snow to low levels for a time while the western lakes area has recently been experiencing the big freeze with morning temperatures commonly registering below zero.

Reports of hunting success since the opening weekend have been few and far between but it is expected that with the colder weather now apon us waterfowl will be tucking themselves in to traditional feeding areas which will make them more available to those hunters willing to brave the chilly temperatures.

In our lakes district and central areas hunters have been taking advantage of the healthy Paradise Shelduck populations which are taking a bit of a hammering but in some areas needed to be thinned out. Recently a group of 22 hunters spent a weekend in the Makarora Valley at the head of Lake Wanaka and shot 150 which pleased the local landholders considerably but there are still plenty there for the rest of the season.

Take a Mate Hunting Promotion

One aspect of the current season that has been well received was the Take a Mate Hunting promotion run in the three lower South Island Regions from the 2^nd June to the 10th June inclusive. This promotion enabled a current season licence holder to take a mate hunting over the period free of charge by registering details with the Fish and Game Regional Office responsible for the area that was intended to be hunted. The companion was issued with a licence in addition to an introductory pack which included an instructional duck hunting DVD, regulation guide and the current seasons Fish and Game Magazine. The Otago Region issued 29 free licences for the period receiving some very positive feedback.

Upland Gambird Opening

The opening of the upland game hunting season in Otago on Queens Birthday Weekend is a time that many hunters really look forward to and this year was no exception, unfortunately the weather on the opening day would have been more suited for the waterfowl opening, cold, showery and blustery, the following day was ideal however. With relatively dry conditions throughout the later part of spring and most of the summer quail populations are good which provided hunters with plenty of opportunities and by all accounts some good bags were achieved. The upland game season in Otago runs until August 26 so don’t lose sight of this and make the time to venture in to the hills for some challenging hunting.

And don’t forget! The waterfowl and upland gamebird hunting season is not just about opening weekend, plan a weekend away with a few mates, try some new spots and get to know different landowners who are generally willing to allow access to their properties.

Enjoy the rest of the season and don’t be hesitant to experiment with a few new recipes for those wonderful tasting birds.

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