West Coast > Hunting News May 2009

The calm sunny conditions on opening weekend of the gamebird season meant that most duck shooters returned home warm and dry, albeit with less ducks than some would have hoped. The fine conditions following heavy rainfall during the preceding week prompted a redistribution of ducks, and undid the careful plans of more than a few hunters who had been monitoring their pre-season movements.

Despite this there were some good bags achieved in flooded pasture areas and also adjacent to the some of the larger permanent wetlands. No problems were encountered by Fish & Game rangers who reported significant numbers of hunters from adjoining regions.  As hunting opportunities diminish in more populated regions, the West Coast gamebird resource is becoming increasingly popular with visiting hunters to the extent that on opening weekend at least they now easily outnumber locals.

Late June to early July generally provides the best hunting on the Coast, however as there are fewer hunters as the season progresses, the concentration of waterfowl remain undisturbed with most movement to and from feeding areas occurring after dark. This is a pattern that adversely affects hunting success.

To counter this it is proposed to promote a second opening which will occur on the 20th June. On this day hunters will be encouraged to go out and replicate their regular opening day routine or to try a new location. In either case the prospect of success should be enhanced by the likelihood of more blustery wet weather when we expect to see and lots more ducks in circulation.

Chris Tonkin, Manager, Fish & Game NZ West Coast

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