Both Barrels May 2025 - Eastern

Eastern staff had hoped that the bad weather forecast early in the week prior to the opening would provide hunters with a good start to the season. Unfortunately, the weather gods didn’t play ball. The combination of low duck numbers and fine weather for much of the region made hunting hard. Hopefully we will get some stormy weather events to push the ducks around before the end of the extended season (mallard, grey and shoveler duck seasons finish on the 15^th of June this year). So, keep an eye on the forecast and plan your hunts accordingly. 

We had staff ranging over quite a wide area this year and found hunters, in the main, enjoying and behaving themselves.  However, we were disappointed at the number of hunters still using lead near open water and using unpinned semi’s. We are also aware that a small group of hunters are shooting from boats under power. Those hunters need to be aware that Fish and Game Rangers may seize their boats and guns if they are caught. Shooting from boats under power runs a real risk of causing injury to both members of the public and other hunters and will not be tolerated.  Legitimate hunters that witness such activity are encouraged to call our poaching phone 0800-762-244 (0800-POACHING). If you are not sure how to pin your semi give us a call and we will send you some information that should assist.

We have had reports that upland game hunting has picked up on last year. Last season was a shocker, so make the most of it this year. Pukekos causing damage to gardens, fruit trees, and crops, is a continuing issue and some members of the community have it in for black swan so if you feel like targeting these species someone out there will thank you for it.