Both Barrels April 2026 - Wellington

Ducks Lined Up for a Promising Game Bird Season

If you thought this summer was a washout, there’s finally some great news for waterfowl hunters. All that wet, unsettled weather has laid the groundwork for what’s shaping up to be a promising game bird season.

By our standards in the lower North Island, it’s been a pretty rubbish summer. But for ducks, those wet conditions arrived at exactly the right time.

More Water, More Feed, More Ducks

The frequent rain created ideal conditions for young ducks during critical development stages, providing abundant feeding areas and boosting survival rates.

The result? Noticeably stronger duck numbers heading into Opening Weekend.

Our annual aerial surveys show a 16 per cent increase in mallard numbers compared to last season. That’s a really encouraging lift and something hunters should be excited about.

Local Ducks Hanging Around Longer

The wet weather has also delayed crop harvesting across the region — a major bonus for duck hunters. Mallards are opportunistic feeders and are quick to move onto freshly harvested maize and grain paddocks.

With harvest running later than usual, ducks may stay local for longer instead of shifting elsewhere for food. That creates more consistent hunting opportunities particularly at the start of the season.

Plenty of Birds — But Be Ready to Adjust

With so much standing water around after the recent bout of heavy torrential rain, ducks have more options for where they feed and roost, so hunters are encouraged to stay flexible.

Unlike last season, there’s everywhere this year so having a couple of back-up spots can really pay off if ducks aren’t flying into your usual possie on Opening morning.

Opening Weekend: A True Kiwi Tradition

More than 5000 hunters are expected to head out across the Wellington Fish & Game region over Opening Weekend, making it one of the most anticipated outdoor events of the year.

Duck hunting is a uniquely Kiwi tradition; It’s one of the few activities that can even see some senior rugby games postponed.

Families and friends come together from all walks of life — often for the only time they’ll see each other all year — to hunt, share food, and catch up.

The season also highlights the connection between rural and urban communities, with landowners generously granting access to their properties for hunters.

Get Ready and Get Licensed

Only a few days out from the start of the 2026 season, hunters will hopefully have sorted there hunting spots, scrubbed maimais and prepped gear.

Above all, make sure you have a new season licence.

Fish & Game Rangers, supported by Police, will be active across the region throughout Opening Weekend and the coming season.

Make sure you’ve got your licence, know the regulations and bag limits, and always follow firearms safety rules.

With strong duck numbers, excellent habitat conditions, and another season of tradition, camaraderie, and healthy free-range food ahead, everything is lined up for a cracker of a start to the 2026 game bird season.