Both Barrels April 2025 - West Coast

Not Long Now! – Game Bird Season Just Around the Corner

The long wait for opening morning is nearly over, with the first Saturday in May fast approaching. Game bird numbers are looking solid this year, with trend counts suggesting populations are in good shape across the board. Greylard counts are currently being finalised, but early data points to a slight increase on last year.

Image above: Good numbers of game birds scattered across the Coast

Hunters preparing their maimais are reporting encouraging bird numbers, and local farmers are backing that up—saying plenty of birds are hanging around. Interestingly, many farm ponds are holding more birds than larger water bodies, likely due to recent rain events pushing ducks out into farmland. There’s also a lot of maize coming off, which is a huge drawcard for both parries and ducks.

If you’re still looking for a spot for opening weekend, don’t worry—it’s not too late. A bit of door-knocking where maize has just been harvested can pay off, or consider the riverbeds. While bird numbers may not be high right now on some riverbed spots, opening weekend often sees ducks head to these spots for refuge. Be ready and waiting, shotgun in hand!

Paradise shelduck numbers remain strong, currently sitting 2,480 birds above the long-term average. Pukeko are plentiful as always, especially in wet farmland areas. Swans are also doing well in specific areas like Lake Brunner and the Okarito Lagoon.

Even better—there’s some rain and unsettled weather in the forecast. That’s great news for hunters, as it helps fill up ponds and gets birds on the move. Fingers crossed opening weekend doesn’t bring the same clear blue skies we’ve seen in recent years.

With just a couple of weeks to go, now’s the time to get everything ready—including your game bird licence!

Lindsay Arthur getting in some preseason practice at the Greymouth duck shooters shoot.

Summary of last season

The average West Coast Region game bird licence holder harvested 15 game birds in the 2024 season, compared with 19 game birds during the 2023 season and 20 for the 2022 season (rounded to whole bird figures). This equates to approximately; 6.3 Greylards, 6.3 Paradise Shelduck, 2.5 Pukeko and less than one bird each of Swan and Shoveler. Opening weekend accounted for 35% of the season’s harvest by West Coast hunters. Hunter effort and harvest by local hunters decreased from the previous season.

Regulation changes for 2025/26

There are no regulation changes for the 25/26 season.

Organised hunts

The 2025 Karamea Pukeko Drive

Three successful organised hunts were held last season, and we’re looking forward to running more this year. West Coast licence holders will receive an email after opening day with info on upcoming events and how to sign up for updates. Due to growing interest, spots may be limited—especially for hunters from outside the region. Make sure your licence is a West Coast one by nominating the West Coast if purchased online or buying it from a West Coast agent. Any questions regarding organised hunts should be directed to [email protected] . We look forward to seeing you at the events!

We hope you have a successful and safe opening weekend.

Hope to see you out there.

 

Baylee Kersten, West Coast Fish & Game Officer