Both Barrels June 2026 - Nelson Marlborough

Molesworth Chukar Hunt 2026 – Great Views, Zero Stew!

Recently, a bunch of hardy chukar hunters descended on Molesworth Station for the annual Molesworth chukar hunt. Now in its third year, this facilitated hunting event attracts hunters from across the country, this year including upland enthusiasts from Te Anau to Auckland.

As with last year, chukar proved elusive, although groups had some great quail hunting around the spectacular Molesworth mountains, with a bit of pest control achieved in the form of a few Molesworth Tigers. Frosty nights, dropping to around -10, were all part of the fun; the days warmed nicely, offering views for miles. Finding them is the hard part, and downing a bird is even harder, making them arguably one of New Zealand’s most challenging game species and the reason why our core group of hunters return each year.

If you want to join next year’s upland game hunt, get in touch with Jacob Lucas here. We can’t guarantee you’ll bag a chukar, but we can guarantee a great weekend away.

Image above: Mason Court with GSP Aya on the hunt for Molesworth chukar.

Grovetown Lagoon Access Update

On behalf of Marlborough gamebird hunters, staff assisted by Councillor Guy Gardner, and local Grovetown hunter Wayne Smith recently attended the Marlborough District Council's Grovetown Lagoon management plan hearing process. Participants submitted to the panel on future options around retaining the existing hunting footprint within this site, now that a popular public walkway is in place. Rangitane also presented on the plan seeking to retain historic cultural harvest linkages to the site, including the activity of gamebird hunting for some of its people. We await the Council's decision on this document with interest.

Para Wetland / Whale Trail Cycleway Update

After several years of planning and discussions with Fish & Game, the Whale Trail cycleway section along Para Wetland has been constructed. The Whale Trail Trust has been open about avoiding impacts on hunting by organising closures at key hunting times (the opening weekend), informing the cycling community, and putting up closure signs. Fish & Game and Para Wetland hunters have been appreciative of these simple, sensible measures, as they helped minimise any impact on their hunting experience during the first two weekends of the season.

Generally, the feedback from hunters is positive, and there are no major issues to report regarding the cycleway.

All in all, this is a great example of game bird hunting taking place safely alongside another regional cycleway, with similar examples elsewhere where hunting occurs near highly used recreational areas.