Both Barrels April 2025 - Southland

2025 Southland mallard monitoring results 

Each year, Southland Fish & Game undertakes mallard monitoring flights across a network of selected wetlands and river transects throughout the region. These surveys provide us with valuable data to detect year-to-year fluctuations and track long-term trends in the mallard population.

Image above: Southland mallards on a wetland during our 2025 mallard monitoring flight

We’ve just wrapped up the analysis of this year’s flight data, following plenty of speculation about the potential for high duck numbers after favourable spring breeding conditions. And while counts were high in some areas, particularly parts of Northern Southland, overall, the data tells us a familiar story: mallard numbers are sitting right on the long-term average.

This is good news. It points to a typical Southland season which means steady numbers, plenty of opportunity and the prospect of a memorable opening weekend and a rewarding season ahead.

Two figures showing average mallard counts on select wetlands and river transects across Southland.

Paradise shelduck, black swan and shoveler 

While mallards are often the focus for hunters, don’t forget the excellent opportunities Southland offers for targeting other species too. Our monitoring results show stable populations of paradise shelduck, black swan, and shoveler. It’s worth targeting these birds as well to add some diversity to your opening weekend bag.

Good numbers of paradise shelduck were seen during our summer monitoring flights.

Season bag limits and length

Here’s a quick rundown of the limits and season length for this season:

• Mallard duck – 25 per day
• Paradise shelduck – 10 per day on opening weekend; 6 birds per day after that
• Black swan – 5 per day
• Shoveler – 1 drake per day
• Opening day – May 3, 2025
• Closing day – July 13, 2025

Simple tips for more success on opening weekend

Want to boost your chances of success this opening weekend? Here are a few quick and easy tips that can make all the difference.

Add some movement to your spread

Static decoy spreads can look unnatural and one observation we have made while catching up with hunters over opening weekend is the hunters who consistently do well, usually have some movement in their spread. Consider adding movement by using a jerk cord or motion decoys. Just one or two motion decoys can really bring your setup to life.

Use quality decoys

When it comes to decoys, it’s better to go for quality over quantity. We suggest investing in a smaller number of high-quality decoys rather than a large spread of sun-faded or unrealistic ones. Ducks are quick to spot the difference.

Swap out old, sun-faded decoys (left) for some realistic or motion decoys (right) to make your spread more convincing and boost your chances of success.

Camo-up

We often see hunters with exposed skin, especially faces and hands. Remember, ducks have sharp eyes that pick up anything out of place. Cover up and blend in.

Don’t overdo the scrubbing

Over previous opening weekends, we’ve seen plenty of maimais so heavily scrubbed with vegetation that swinging a shotgun becomes tricky. It is important to conceal yourself, but not at the expense of a clear shot. Keep this in mind and make adjustments accordingly.

Call smart

Calling can certainly help you bring in more mallards over opening weekend, but overcalling can hinder your hunting. One common mistake we see is hunters blasting a hail call at ducks already committed to landing and scaring them off in the process. Save your calling for when birds are flying away or passing by and if they look like they are ready to commit, lay off the caller, let the decoys do their work, and prepare to take a shot.

Ease off the calling as the weekend progresses

By Sunday, ducks have usually had a dose of hunting pressure and may shy away from overly loud or frequent calling. Reducing your calling and relying more on movement in your decoy spread can be a better approach later in the weekend.

Communicate and call the shot

Clear communication between hunters in the maimai makes a huge difference. Nominate someone to call the shot so everyone knows when to fire. This avoids early or rushed shots and helps the group work better as a team. Well-timed and coordinated shooting is much more effective than everyone shooting at different times.

Getting the best eating out of your ducks on opening weekend

To get the best eating out of your ducks, a little care in the field goes a long way, and it starts the moment they hit the water. Promptly retrieving birds reduces the chance of water soaking into the down and seeping into shot damage. Pond/river water carries bacteria, which speeds up spoilage, so make sure your dog or designated duck fetcher is on the job quickly.

Getting the best out of your ducks starts with a prompt retrieve from your fury mate.  Photo credit: L. Withington

Once retrieved, don’t leave birds piled up or exposed to direct sunlight. The heat from the birds, combined with the sun, creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Instead, hang them individually in the shade where there is good airflow and allow them to cool.

Once the hunting is done for the day, pluck and gut your ducks as soon as possible. Some groups even tackle this job during the lull in the middle of the day to keep on top of things. Not only does this reduce the workload at the end of the day, but it also helps minimise the risk of spoilage from bacteria inside the body cavity. As soon as your birds are cleaned, get them into a chilly bin with ice or into a fridge. Like any meat, game birds need to be kept cold to stay safe and delicious.

Taking these simple steps will help ensure your ducks are in top condition by the time they reach they reach your plate.

Happy hunting! 

From the team at Southland Fish & Game, we wish all hunters a safe and enjoyable opening weekend and season. If you have any questions or are after any advice during the season, please get in touch.