Taranaki > Hunting News May 2008

Early season round-up

The number of game birds reported present across the region prior to the opening weekend indicated that a good return for hunters could be expected for the opening weekend.  However the opening morning dawned fine and calm across the majority of the region which meant that conditions favoured the ducks, rather than the hunters and the general impression gained is that this season’s opening morning was similar to that of 2007 with few birds reported to have been seen flying. 

In north Taranaki there were some moderate bags of Paradise shelduck, while hunters in coastal Taranaki and Stratford saw good numbers of Mallards, with many taking their limit or near to it.  The fine conditions resulted in only a modest harvest of Paradise Shelduck from stubble fields and paddocks in the Waimarino, though again there were good bags of Mallards taken from a number of ponds and wetlands in the area.  Similar results were obtained in Waverley and Wanganui.  Rangers noted Mallards rafting up on big water in rivers throughout the region and on Sunday, good flights of Mallards were seen coming into ponds that were unoccupied by hunters!  Of those birds harvested most were reported to be in good condition and of prime eating quality, this is despite having experienced an extremely dry summer and early autumn.

On a more disappointing note we have to report that two hunters in the region were caught using lead shot near open water over the opening weekend.  Those hunters in question they had their shotguns seized and are likely to face prosecution through the Courts.  In another incident a hunter was found to be out shooting without a current game licence.  These incidents clearly indicate that there continues to be a number of individuals who believe that they are above both the law and other, more conscientious, hunters.  The Taranaki Region of Fish and Game will continue to conduct ranging operations throughout the season in order to protect game bird resources from illegal methods of harvesting and to monitor and ensure compliance. 

For those hunters who found it particularly tough going on the opening weekend the remainder of the season continues to show promise.  There are still a good number of birds out there and the return of usual weather patterns should see the return of birds to their usual haunts.  The slow start to the 2008 season means that there remain more opportunities for hunters to be successful.  While we all lead busy lives hunters are encouraged to get their boots wet as often as possible and get, quite literally, more bang for your license fee buck!

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