| PLENTY OF HUNTING AHEAD IN THE 2011 GAMEBIRD HUNTING SEASON
So how did you go on opening weekend? In this issue of Both Barrels....................
- From the Chief Executive
- Buy licences online
- Getting started
- Canada geese - update
- 2011 Gamebird Food Festival - in full swing!
- Your region opening weekend reports
From the Chief Executive
Welcome to another issue of Both Barrels, the second of three for the 2011 Game Bird Hunting Season.
By accounts, hunters experienced mixed results over Opening Weekend, with reports of a great start in certain parts of the country and a corresponding tough time for others. No matter how you got on, there’s still plenty of hunting to be had in the months ahead so remember to make the most of the whole season, not just opening.
Many factors can influence the number of ducks during any given season, including breeding success, natural mortality and climatic conditions, for example, surplus water for birds to hole-up on prior to this opening.
Fish & Game NZ is fortunate to have some of the country’s leading waterfowl researchers working for the organisation, and you the hunter with in-the-field reports, to establish what impacts these are having on populations.
The information gathered from these studies and surveys is vital in helping Fish & Game manage bird populations and hunter impacts to ensure a sustainable number of birds remain to produce broods for future years.
Obviously there some natural factors that hunters and Fish & Game management have no control over. However, hunters can improve their harvest by touching up on their own skills and techniques. Those who put a bit of thought into their hunting – for instance, observe flight paths, note how weather patterns influence bird movements and loafing spots – and are prepared to learn from more experienced hunters, will likely find they are rewarded with greater success.
I strongly encourage those experienced hunters out there to help introduce new participants to this grand Kiwi tradition. Bringing the younger generation into hunting is a great way of involving them in a healthy outdoor pursuit, it gives them an appreciation of the natural environment and where food actually comes from, and hopefully they will go on to become the future champions of the tradition.
If you aren’t already aware, the Gamebird Food Festival is running again this season with restaurants across the country participating – make the most of this opportunity to have your birds cooked by some of New Zealand’s leading chefs, and introduce friends and family to the delights of game birds harvested from the “outdoor supermarket”. Details of the festival can be found in this issue of Both Barrels.
On a final note, there has already been a hunting fatality this season. Hunters are reminded about adhering to the seven rules of safe firearms use – it is important that Fish & Game is able to help transmit the safety message through the likes of Both Barrels.
Until next time, I wish you safe and successful hunting.
Bryce Johnson
Chief executive, NZ Fish & Game Council
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