Both Barrels April 2026 - West Coast

Opening Weekend 2026 – Not Long Now!

The long wait for opening morning is nearly over, with the first Saturday in May just weeks away. Game bird numbers are looking solid this year, with trend counts suggesting populations are in good shape across the board.

Grey duck and mallard counts are currently being finalised, with early results showing several promising sites across the region. A number of key hotspots have also recorded strong counts, which is a positive sign heading into the season.

In particular, farm ponds and smaller water bodies near good feeding areas have been performing well, likely helped by recent conditions that have provided shelter while keeping birds close to feeding areas.

Hunters preparing their maimais are reporting encouraging bird numbers, and local farmers are backing this up, with plenty of birds being seen across farmland. There’s also been a lot of maize coming off, which continues to be a strong drawcard for both paradise shelduck and ducks.

If you’re still looking for a spot for opening weekend, it’s not too late. A bit of door-knocking around freshly harvested maize can still pay off, or consider the riverbeds. While some riverbed sites may look quiet at the moment, opening weekend often sees birds shift into these areas for refuge—so it pays to be ready.

Lockie Kersten getting amongst the action during the summer season.

Paradise shelduck numbers remain strong, currently sitting 3,768 above the long-term average, representing a 7% increase on last year. Pūkeko remain plentiful, especially in wet farmland areas. Swans are also doing well in key locations such as Lake Brunner and the Ōkārito Lagoon.

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

Fish & Game Magazine

Fish & Game Magazine – Issue 62

The latest edition of the Fish & Game magazine is now available, featuring updates, stories, and insights from around the region and beyond. If you haven’t picked up a hard copy, you can also view the full online version here: https://782c075b.flowpaper.com/FGIssue62WEB/

It’s a good way to stay up to date with what’s happening across the Fish & Game community and get ready for the season ahead.

Summary of Last Season

The 2025 season was a strong one for West Coast hunters, with solid results across the board and good efficiency recorded throughout.

A total of 376 adult and junior full-season West Coast licence holders harvested an estimated 5,427 game birds within the region. When including out-of-region hunters, the total estimated harvest increases to 10,831 birds.

The average harvest per licence holder was 14 birds, down slightly from 15 in 2024 and 19 in 2023. On average, this equates to approximately 7 greylard, 6 paradise shelduck, 1 pūkeko, and less than one bird each of swan and shoveler.

Opening weekend again played a major role, accounting for 53% of the total season harvest.

Hunter efficiency was strong, with hunters averaging 1.92 birds per hour over opening weekend—the highest recorded since the survey began—and 1.96 birds per hour across the full season, among the better results on record. This highlights the productivity of the season for those who got out in the field.

A bit of practice at the gun club can go a long way to improving your opening day tally.

Regulation Changes for 2026/27 Season

There are no regulation changes for the 2026/27 season.

Organised Hunts

A very successful event held at Barrytown last season.

Two successful organised hunts were held last season, and we’re looking forward to running more again this year. West Coast licence holders will receive an email after opening day with information 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 selecting the West Coast when purchasing online or buying it from a local agent.

Any questions regarding organised hunts can 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