West Coast > Hunting Access

The primary attraction for gamebird hunters on the Coast is the diversity of habitat providing for a range of species, but predominately grey and mallard duck (and hybrids thereof, these days referred to collectively as grallards).

Shoveler, paradise shelduck and pukeko are widespread and populations of Canada geese inhabit many major river valleys, also Lakes Poerua and Haupiri.

In general, developed valleys with improved pasture and open drains offer the best waterfowl hunting – particularly for mallards, pukeko and shelduck

– however riverbeds, bush ponds and coastal wetlands – most of which are on DoC administered land – also provide excellent opportunity. Some exciting post – opening weekend gamebird hunting opportunities remain relatively unexploited in South Westland river valleys such as Wanganui, Whataroa and Waitaha.

For anybody planning a trip to hunt the West Coast, Fish & Game can provide advice on key landowners to contact.

At the present time there are few restrictions on hunting land administered by the Department of Conservation, however if in doubt contact the nearest DoC office (refer below) for a permit.

Greymouth (03) 768 0427Hokitika (03) 755 8301

Buller (03) 788 8008Sth. Westland (03) 7510807

Similarly, hunting in riverbeds and along bermlands is generally unrestricted, however contact with adjacent landowners is recommended. Their advice could well add value to your hunting.

Gamebird hunting is permitted in six Scenic Reserves; Hunters wishing to shoot at Lakes Rotokino, Ianthe, Arthur, Swan and Lady, or Saltwater lagoon are required to request a permit from DoC before the end of March. In the event of problems contact Fish & Game.

Most private landowners will react favourably to reasonable requests for access.

In particular, the properties listed below are recommended for parry hunters looking for somewhere to start, and many offer additional hunting opportunities. Please phone the landowner before visiting and respect any reasons they may have for limiting access.

W.Smith, 7323756 Landcorp AHAURA

R Knight, 7323604 Carters Rd AHAURA

D.M.Lammas, 7323796 Orwell Cr Rd AHAURA

RBecker, 7323879 Grey St AHAURA

J.E Bray, 7323736 Orwell Cr Rd AHAURA

S Bertacco, 7323727 State H/W 7 AHAURA

K.E Dash, 7323749 Slaty Cr Rd ATARAU

G.F O'Connor, 7323547 Ataura Rd ATARAU

R.H Little, 7323723 Lees Ferry Rd ATARAU

W.J Kennedy, 7323594 Atarau Rd ATARAU

P Jefferies, 7323777 Atarau Rd ATARAU

G.M O'Connor, 7323859 Atarau Rd ATARAU

C Van der Geest, 7323718 Logburn Rd ATARAU

A.E Berry, 7323856 Atarau Rd ATARAU

P.F Berry, 7323856 Atarau Rd ATARAU

C Aynsley, 7323748 Slaty Cr Rd ATARAU

A.C Parkinson, 7328541 Buller Rd CRONADUN

C.J Egan, 7380389 Haupiri Rd HAUPIRI

J.J Butcher, 7380227 Haupiri Rd HAUPIRI

H Temple, 7380265 Gloria Vale Community HAUPIRI

R. Tapp, 7328144 Kopara HAUPIRI

T. Deham, 7573125 La Fontaine Rd HARI HARI

K.G Ferguson, 7323501 Waipuna-Clarke Rd IKAMATUA

M.G Fitzgerald, 7323577 State H/W 7 IKAMATUA

J.J Havill, 7323552 State H/W 7 IKAMATUA

P.J McLennan, 7323755 State H/W 7 IKAMATUA

D.G Mirfin, 7323561 Atarau Rd, Otututu IKAMATUA

K O'Malley, 7323536 Golf Links Rd IKAMATUA

G Prendergast, 7323518 State H/W 7 IKAMATUA

G.D Bradley, 7625798 Arnold Valley Rd KOKIRI

D Shannahan, 7686511 Pheonix Farm KOKIRI

B.A Rogatski, 7380225 Kopara Falls KOPARA

J Kalin, 7558122 RD 1 KOWHITIRANGI

A Coleman, 7557970 RD 1 KOWHITIRANGI

G.T Neylon, 7328382 Maimai Rd MAIMAI

J.Sturkenboom, 7328312 Main Rd MAWHERAITI

B. Holden, 7328367 State H/W 7 MAWHERAITI

Hill (Bros), 7324860 State H/W 7 NGAHERE

P.&J Kennedy, 7323705 State H/W 7 TOTARA FLAT

S.E Griggs, 7323729 State H/W 7 TOTARA FLAT

K.B Burridge, 7323857 State H/W 7 TOTARA FLAT

L.G Truman, 7323714 State H/W 7 TOTARA FLAT

J.D Baynes, 7323533 State H/W 7 WAIMAUNGA

J.H Clayton, 7323843 State H/W 7 WAIMAUNGA

TIPS FOR HUNTING ON THE WEST COAST

The key to success in all hunting is to be observant and to recognise that birds undergo several behaviour changes in the course of the season. Prevailing weather patterns in particular have a large influence on where concentrations of birds will be at certain times, and remember that the chances are birds will not be where they were last year. Observant hunters will notice that birds alter their daily habits and flight patterns in response to factors such as available food supply, length of daylight hours, prevailing weather and level of disturbance. In general waterfowl tend to avoid large open water bodies during rough weather, preferring sheltered swampy margins and farm drains. Similarly, during extended frosty periods there is often good hunting in small running creeks and small ponds with a bush canopy.

Many hunters become frustrated by large congregations of ducks - predominantly mallards - loafing in open paddocks after the first week or two of the season when ducks become more wary. These birds are often difficult to hunt, but, for those prepared to suffer a little discomfort good opportunities exist during stormy conditions and at first and last light.

Late in the season breeding birds require extra protein and wet paddocks become favoured feeding areas. During this period it is often possible to call in ducks that earlier in the season were simply not interested.

Farming practice also influences hunting opportunity. Look for concentrations of birds near stock feed out pads, and particularly in the case of Paradise ducks on saved pasture and green crop.

ORGANISED HUNTS

Complaints about concentrations of gamebirds such as pukeko, paradise shelduck and Canada geese periodically prompts a need to direct hunters to where the problems are. For example pukeko and shelduck hunting success is often dependent upon a team of shooters working together. Organised hunts have become increasingly popular on the West Coast as access to good hunting becomes more difficult in other regions. Currently such hunts are arranged independently by a number of different clubs and organisations and Fish & Game will co-ordinate these where possible.

Please contact Fish & Game for information on what is happening, and when.

Fish & Game Nelson/Marlborough holds three organised goose shoots in the Marlborough high country in the course of the year. If this sounds like you phone your local Fish & Game office or 03 5446382 for details.

Enjoy your hunting on the 'Coast, comply with the few rules we have, and please show respect for landowners and your fellow hunters.