Both Barrels June 2026 - Wellington

June Sees Season Ramp Up

June has seen a shift in conditions across the Wellington Fish & Game region as more wintery and unsettled weather started to dominate.

Image above: Hunters who have scouted around to locate birds have reaped the rewards Photo: Henry McIntyre

While May was incredibly calm with mild temperatures, June has brought colder mornings, more regular rain, and several strong nor-wester and southerly blows. The result has been a change in duck behaviour and, for those willing to scout around and adapt their hunting, the rewards have been there for the taking.

The recent windier conditions have broken up flight lines and encouraged birds to fly lower and more frequently throughout the day, certainly well into late morning.

It has been noticeable that the ducks have challenging this season – suggesting perhaps that there are more older birds around. They have been very decoy shy and often non-respondent to calling.

Hunters who have mixed up their tactics have managed good bags, however. Just a couple of decoys tucked back under cover, and quieter calling – chuckles, feeding and single calls – have paid dividends.

Importantly, locating where the ducks want to go has been the biggest determinant of success. Observing where the birds are heading and dropping in, then using satellite imagery to find hidey holes, has been key!

One of the defining aspects of June has been the noticeable shift in hunting pressure. With fewer hunters in the field compared to the opening weeks, many locations have begun to ‘settle’, allowing birds to return to previously disturbed areas.

This has opened up fresh possibilities in spots that may have been less productive earlier on. Hunters willing to revisit these areas, or explore new locations altogether, have found worthwhile opportunities.

With older and subsequently more wary mallards, and a settled first month, it has admittedly been a tough season. It bounced back somewhat in June, though, which just goes to show that to get maximum value out of your licence you need to pick the ideal conditions and shoot the season through.

Plenty More Hunting Ahead

While the main waterfowl season in the Wellington Fish & Game region closes on June 28, it certainly doesn’t mark the end of game bird hunting opportunities.

In fact, for keen hunters, the season is far from over, with a range of extended options available well into late winter.

Wellington region has an extended the swan season

One of the most notable extensions is the black swan season. In the Wellington region the species can be targeted through to August 30, with a liberal bag of 15 birds per hunter per day from June 29

This extended season provides a valuable opportunity for hunters to take advantage of quieter wetlands and birds that have become more settled in their feeding patterns.

Swans can present a rewarding challenge due to their size, strength, and keen eyesight, requiring careful planning and good fieldcraft to hunt successfully. With that in mind, we’ve set up a dedicated swan hunting ‘how-to’ guide here to help you boost your success.

Beyond waterfowl, upland game hunting continues to offer excellent prospects through to the end of August in the lower North Island. Species such as pheasant and California quail remain available, giving hunters the chance to shift focus from wetlands to farmland, scrub, and bush edges.

These hunts often involve more active stalking or working with dogs, adding a different dimension to the hunting experience. If you’re after info on hunting upland game in our region, please contact the office.

Importantly, this later part of the season period allows hunters to make the most of their investment in a licence and hone their skills across different environments and species.

June’s closing date for waterfowl is really just a transition point in the Wellington Fish & Game region. With swan hunting and upland game opportunities extending through July and August, there is still plenty of time left to get out in the field and enjoy the hunting on offer.