Duckmas is almost here – Get ready for Opening Weekend!

Season outlook: solid bird numbers and a wet start set the scene

It's game on for the 2026 hunting season. Credit: Richie Cosgrove.

Across much of the country, the upcoming game bird season is shaping up to offer solid opportunities, but with a few twists that will reward those who prepare.

In the Auckland/Waikato region, a wetter-than-usual season means ducks will be more dispersed thanks to abundant water, making them harder to pinpoint than in drier years. Success here will hinge on good pre-season scouting and adapting tactics on the fly. Meanwhile, the Eastern region is showing particularly promising signs, with one of the strongest juvenile-to-adult ratios in over a decade: an encouraging signal for a productive opening weekend if weather conditions cooperate.

Further south, regions like Hawke’s Bay and across Canterbury are reporting healthy bird numbers and favourable habitat conditions following timely rainfall. Hunters can expect strong populations not only of mallards and grey ducks, but also species like paradise shelduck and black swan. In North and Central Canterbury, survey results align closely with long-term averages, suggesting a reliable, steady season ahead. Southland mirrors this outlook, with typical population levels offering dependable hunting opportunities.

All in all, while it may not be a record-breaking year everywhere, the season is set to deliver rewarding experiences. Especially for those who embrace the preparation, the challenge, and the shared moments that come with it.

Click the links at the top of this email to read more about what’s happening in each region.

Bag your duck but be safe this season

Opening weekend is almost here. Have you got all your ducks in a row?

Our friends at NZ Mountain Safety (MSC) are reminding duck hunters to put safety first. Did you know most injuries happen on opening weekend*? 

Maimai across the country will be busy, with everyone keen to bag a duck. To keep yourself and others safe, it’s important to check in with each other regularly, stay sharp and keep firearms safety top of mind. 

Make the right memories this duck hunting season. Always follow the 7 Firearms Safety Rules.

• Treat every firearm as loaded 
• Always point firearms in a safe direction away from people 
• Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire
• Identify your target beyond all doubt
• Check your firing zones
• Transport and store your firearms and ammunition safely
• Save booze for after the shoot 

For your personal safety, don’t forget to wear eye and ear protection.

*MSC analysis of ACC injury claims shows that 23 of the total 39 injuries last season occurred on opening weekend, when the highest number of hunters are in the field. Of these injuries, 12 involved a firearm, while 27 were caused by other incidents, such as slips, trips or falls in or around the maimai.

Fish & Game magazine

If you didn’t receive the latest edition of the Fish & Game special hunting magazine, you can read it online here.

It’s packed full of helpful hints and tips for the coming season.

Read past editions of the Magazine, here.

Don’t let bird flu take flight

This duck hunting season, take steps to be ready for bird flu.

New Zealand remains free of highly contagious H5N1 bird flu, protected so far by our geographical isolation. But as migrating birds can spread the virus, we need to be prepared should it arrive here.

Form these habits to keep safe, prevent spread, and protect wildlife.

Keep your distance

• The most obvious sign of bird flu is the sudden or unexpected death of multiple birds in a group.
• If you find sick or dead wildlife, give them space. Don’t touch or move them and make sure dogs and children don’t touch them either.

Keep clean

• Clean your gear between hunting sites and wash any clothes that have been in contact with birds between hunting trips.
• Take care when touching birds. Practise good hand hygiene and don’t eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth while handling harvested birds.
  
  

Know when to report

• Hunters are valuable eyes on the ground in often remote locations. 
• If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. 

Find out more: mpi.govt.nz/HPAI