Otago > Hunting News May 09

 The gamebird season got away to an average start due to the opening weekend weather favouring the ducks! Clear skies and high flying birds were the order of the day in most parts of the region, except in South Otago where the fog continued until midday helping hunters cash in on surplus birds in that area. In general, hunters commented that they had seen more ducks about than in previous years but they were flying very high.

On opening morning, 60 ranging teams with reference to real aerial mapping information and GPS’ checked over 60 ponds and maimai’s and reported generally good compliance. There were 6 shotguns sized by rangers for various offences and a further 3 offenders are being followed up. All face prosecution. 

Since opening weekend there has been a dramatic change in the weather (southerlies and rain/snow etc) and has tended to break up the usual habits of ducks and disperse them all over the place. So the pond that shot well on opening may not be as good as the flooded paddock nearby!

The positive aspect of this is that there is a lot of spare ducks left meaning a lot of opportunities out there for the observant and dedicated hunter to pot a few birds. Evening shooting under such conditions is particularly productive as the birds break into smaller groups and will readily respond to a well rehearsed call, especially just on dark near feeding areas like creeks and grain paddocks. Rangers have also noted there are a lot of ducks accumulating in “unshot” areas like rivers and creeks. This should lead to some great hunting well into the season.

The hunters we have spoken to are lapping up the current conditions, especially the breeze as this keeps the birds down and available to be harvested. Many are reporting better success now than at opening weekend.
The condition of the ducks, in particular the mallards, for the time of year, are very good to excellent. A couple that I collected on a pond edge visited were fat as mud. The increase in grain grown in around Otago and a kind autumn has put the ducks in top order for the table and hunters are lapping them up.

Ian Hadland, Operations Manager, Fish & Game NZ (Otago)

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