Both Barrels July 2026 - Southland

Make the most of the final days of the waterfowl season

With only a few days remaining in the 2026 waterfowl season, we encourage Southland hunters to make the most of it. Reports from hunters who have been out recently indicate there are excellent opportunities available for those willing to put in the effort and adapt their approach to the conditions.

Image above: Southland Fish & Game field officer Ben Febery singes a fat late-season mallard in preparation for the table.

Mallards are in excellent condition

One thing is clear; mallards harvested over recent weeks have been in excellent condition. The abundance of surface water across Southland has provided plenty of feeding opportunities, allowing mallards to build body condition as the season has progressed.

This is great news for hunters looking to put a few extra tasty birds into the freezer. It is also positive for the mallard population, with hens entering this important period in good condition.

Mallards harvested over the last few weeks have been in excellent condition. 

Closing weekend opportunity

The closing weekend is coming up on 25–26 July 2026 and typically sees an increase in hunting activity across the region. Our hunter harvest monitoring indicates that around a quarter to one-third of Southland hunters are out hunting on the final weekend, which can create additional opportunities for those heading out.

By this stage of the season, many mallards have established regular feeding and movement patterns. However, increased hunting activity over closing weekend can disrupt these routines, causing birds to shift from established feeding and loafing areas and creating opportunities to call in displaced birds.

Late season also provides opportunities for targeting unpaired mallard drakes. These birds can be particularly responsive to calling as they seek to pair up as the breeding period approaches.

Finally, closing weekend provides a great opportunity to catch up with hunting mates, spend time at your favourite wetland or river, and give the dog one final run before the season ends. We encourage you to get out there and make the most of it.

Do it for the dog – get them out for one last hunt before the season is out.