Both Barrels

Both Barrels May 2026 - West Coast

The 2026 game bird season is off to a positive start across the West Coast, with plenty of encouraging reports coming in from hunters over the first fortnight of the…

West Coast
20/05/2026

Both Barrels May 2026 - Auckland Waikato

Sunny but productive hunting on opening weekend Despite clear blue skies on opening weekend, many hunters are reporting positive bird numbers around.

Auckland/Waikato
20/05/2026

Sam White came down to Wairarapa from Auckland for Opening Weekend

Both Barrels May 2026 - Wellington

Slow Start But Plenty Of Options Ahead For Hunters The season has been slow so far aside rom an excellent band of weather which brought gale winds and rain over the…

Wellington
19/05/2026

Both Barrels May 2026 - Taranaki

The current fine, cool conditions are forecast to continue through to 26/27 May, when a weather system arrives to bring rain and wind to move ducks around.

Taranaki
19/05/2026

Both Barrels May 2026 - Eastern

The opening weekend proved to be as good as we had predicted. Hunters shot almost 2 more mallard and grey duck than last year.

Eastern
15/05/2026

Both Barrels May 2026 - Otago

Mallard harvest numbers appear to have been lower across Otago on Opening Weekend — another reminder that a full-season licence offers opportunities right through until July 26.

Otago
15/05/2026

Both Barrels May 2026 - Northland

Opening weekend summary Opening weekend saw clear skies and blustery SE winds. The near full moon lit up the early morning and evening sky.

Northland
14/05/2026

Both Barrels May 2026 - Nelson Marlborough

Opening Day Wrap Up As with most opening days in Nelson Marlborough, blue skies and light winds prevailed on Opening Day of the 2026 game bird season.