Both Barrels July 2026 - Auckland/Waikato

Getting into Some Upland Gamebirds

Still got a month to get out there are get some pheasant. There are plenty of pheasants around, and harvest surveys show that few hunters are targeting them. Look for scrubby river margins, areas of dense cover such as lupin, broom, boxthorn, inkweed, and briar patches, exotic forestry plantations, and the edges of farmland. Remember to get a DOC hunting permit for public lands. Check out the learning hub on the Fish and Game Website for tips on pheasant hunting.

Image above: Scott Taylor's trusty companion showing the rewards of hunting upland gamebirds.

If you are not sure where to go there are a number of Matariki Forests in the Auckland/Waikato area which provide excellent pheasant and quail hunting opportunities (only for weekends). These include Tairua, Maramarua, Waihou North, Waihou Central & Kauaeranga Forests.

The Hamilton office of Auckland Waikato Fish & Game Council issues these forest access permits ($50 per permit) on behalf of Matariki. One permit fee covers all four forests. This fee covers the permit, coloured maps and public liability insurance while hunting in any of these Matariki forests.

Know your rules:

• Roosters only!
• 3 Pheasant bag limit
• Season ends 30 August 2026

Photo Competition to Win Fish and Game Cookbooks

Reminder to send in your best pictures from your hunting in the Auckland/Waikato region this season and be in to win one of our award-winning wild food cookbooks, we have a couple up for grabs!

We are looking for photos of people out there enjoying their hunting with their friends, family and dogs etc. We hope to use these photos to promote the awesome hunting we have on offer in our region!

How to enter: Email up to 3 photos to [email protected] before 31 July 2026 with your full name or gamebird licence number included. Please provide a caption, rough location, photographer's name and also names of people in the photo if you like.

Staff will randomly draw three winning photos from all valid entries received.

Entries close: 31 July 2026

T&C’s: Submission of photos is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.

• All submitted photographs may be used by Auckland Waikato Fish and Game for promotional and social media purposes, including on Facebook, in our newsletters, or magazine articles.
• Photos must be from the 2026 season, and in the Auckland Waikato region
• Number of entries: 3 entries per person
• The photo winner will be announced on Facebook, and notified via the email

Quick Reminder for Band Returns

Remember to report the tag numbers if you shot a banded duck this season. This can either be done online, or giving us a call.

If you get your bands in before the end of August, you have a shot at being one of the five lucky people who will walk away with a new set of decoys. Report your banding details here.

Also keep an eye out for text survey coming out about this in the coming weeks.