Both Barrels May 2025 - Nelson/Marlborough

Opening weekend wrap-up

Hunters were out in good numbers on Opening Day of the 2025 season in the top of the South.  Two teams of rangers covered the Marlborough area and were impressed by how many people were out, more than in other recent years.  Some groups did very well, achieving limit bags by mid-morning, with some even going green for the day (targeting green-headed mallard drakes only).  Of course, the opening weekend of the game season is about more than the ducks, it’s a chance to spend quality time with mates – time in a maimai with friends alongside makes for great chat and plenty of banter.  This was evident in the 40 hunters that rangers spoke with, all were having a fantastic day out.  Strong winds out in the Wairau Lagoons made for some optimal hunting conditions, and some great bags came out of here.  Para Wetland – the regions hallmark wetland project – filled nicely in time for the season and provided some good hunting for several experienced hunters who limited out, but was patchy for others.  Elsewhere, a reasonable opening was held in the Murchison/Maruia area, but things were on the quiet side in other parts of Tasman, although duck possies that had been fed up before the season did well.  Staff were pleased with the high level of compliance, with no offence notices issued.

Picture above: Harlee Cross and Kerry Wratt on Opening Day. Caption: Harlee Cross and Kerry Wratt on Opening Day in the Waimea area.

In memory of Jean (John) Willis

Long-serving Fishing and Game Councillor, Jean (John) Willis, sadly passed away on Sunday, 11 May.  Jean served as a Fish & Game Councillor from 2009, both on the West Coast and Nelson Marlborough region, and was the West Coast appointee to the National Fish & Game Council during this time.  Jean was passionate about the environment and was a staunch advocate for water quality, wetlands and trout habitat. He was a very dedicated Councillor, diligently attending Fish & Game meetings, and always on hand when the call went out for assistance.  Besides being a Councillor, Jean was a voluntary ranger for many years, was the current Secretary of the Nelson Trout Fishing Club until his passing and was made a Life Member of this Club – one of only four people.  He was a regular guide at local Kids Fishing Days held in Waimea.

Jean always has great pride in the Fish & Game organisation, showing great faith in the advocacy function that Fish & Game holds and believing this to be one of the most effective environmental groups in New Zealand. 

In his own words, Jean says “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such dedicated individuals who share a passion for the sustainability and stewardship of our fisheries”.

Rest in Peace, Jean.

Jean Willis on his beloved Motueka River

Fish & Game Councillors attend Marlborough Clay Shoot

It was great to see Marlborough Fish & Game Councillors, Guy Gardiner and Nev Gane, attend the pre-season duck shooters clay bird event in Blenheim.  Both Guy and Nev are passionate hunters and have a strong interest in bringing new hunters into our pursuit and safeguarding the future of game bird hunting in a political sense.  Being a Fish & Game Councillor takes significant commitment. Guy and Nev are outstanding ambassadors for our organisation and do a fantastic job assisting Fish & Game staff with core work in the Marlborough area.  Here they are pictured with two prize winners of free hunting licences, which were donated by Fish & Game for their clay event.  Guy and Nev delivered a talk to the group on Fish & Game, outlining their roles for Fish & Game and outlining some of the hunting and habitat-related work Fish & Game does on behalf of licence-holders. 

Nev Gane and Guy Gardiner represented Fish & Game at the Marlborough clay bird shoot.

Onefortyone Quail Hunting

The 2025 OFO quail hunting opportunity has kicked off, with at least five forest blocks in Golden Downs and one near Wairau Valley township set aside for quail hunting.  To apply for vehicle access to these forests, where you can drive around hunting quail, email Jacob Lucas here.  Here are the dates for future OFO weekends:

• 21-22 June 2025
• 19-20 July 2025
• 16-17 August 2025