Both Barrels April 2026 - Eastern

Eastern Region Opening Weekend

We are expecting a good start to the mallard season (see the previous Both Barrells).  By now the maimai should be all dressed, decoys checked, alarm clock set, licences purchased, you know the drill. 

Just a quick reminder that firearm safety and humane hunting are paramount.  Reacquaint yourself with the seven firearms safety rules even if it is to just bring them into your prefrontal cortex.  We had a firearms accident in the Eastern Region some years back that broke the family, friends, and close acquaintances.  Rangers have also witnessed some very close calls so please be extra careful. 

To me hunting ethics has only one rule and that is to dispatch the animal quickly and humanely.  Don’t shoot at a bird if it is out of range of a clean kill. 

You can really improve the days result if you set the decoys to suit the wind and your hunting possie, call well, and remain out of sight.  A good dog can make all difference.

Hunters should now be very familiar with the non-toxic shot requitements and be up to speed with the new firearm safety rules such as ensuring your gun is incapacitated when transporting it to the hunting grounds.

The opening weekend is all about having a fun day with family and friends and getting kai for the table.  Take care and have fun and remember the season runs for four months not just the length of the mallard season so make the most of it.