Both Barrels May 2026 - North Canterbury

Preparation Still Paying Off

We’re now two weeks on from opening weekend, and reports across the region remain extremely positive for those who have put in the early effort to locate birds. We touched on this in our bi-weekly Hunting Report sent out on the 7th of May scouting can be one of the key differences in turning a hunt into a successful one.

Image above: North Canterbury Field Officer Harry Graham-Samson checks a hunter on Lake Ellesmere.

If you missed that report, we’ve linked it below so you can revisit a few handy tips on scouting and setting yourself up for success.

Check out last Bi-Weekly Hunting Report here: Please select here to view

While we’ve seen fairly typical, still May weather settle in over past weeks but there have been a handful of morning and evening opportunities where wind has influenced bird movement creating some memorable early-season hunts for those who have stayed adaptable and made the most of the conditions.

Once again, this comes down to preparation and readiness. Not everyone can drop everything and head out at a moment’s notice but having a few key things sorted in advance can make all the difference when the opportunity arises.

Don’t miss tomorrows Bi-Weekly Hunting Report subscribe to the mailing list here: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/newsletter-signup/

3 Simple Steps to Stay Ready

Scouted mallards in the North Canterbury Region spotted through a spotting scope. 

1. Keep your gear organised
   Store all of your hunting gear packed and ready in one place. When the time comes, you can quickly load up the vehicle leaving only your shotgun and ammunition to grab from storage.
2. Monitor weather conditions regularly
   Check multiple weather apps and websites. Each one tells a slightly different story, and having a broader view will give you a better understanding of what conditions are doing in your hunting area.
   If you have access to live cameras (such as those on Outdoor Access), use them alongside forecasts to get a real-time visual of what’s happening on the ground.
3. Know your access ahead of time
   Don’t leave access to chance. The last thing you want is to arrive and find private land or an impassable section of river blocking your route. Do your homework beforehand, visit the area if possible, confirm legal access, and plan how you’ll get your gear in.
   With these simple steps in place, you’ll be in a much better position to stay flexible and make the most of those key windows when everything lines up.

Mallard Bands Update

Four opening weekend hunters who has some luck with a banded bird on Lake Ellesmere.

So far, 12 banded birds have been harvested in the North Canterbury region, although some of these originated from banding sites outside the region.

Of particular note, 9 birds banded at the Lake Ellesmere site have been recovered. 8 in North Canterbury and 1 in the Central South Island.

If you harvest a bird that was banded in North Canterbury, we’ll be in touch with information about that bird, along with a Band Harvest Certificate for your records.

Remember, reporting your band is quick and easy. Simply submit it through the Fish & Game website, which only takes a few minutes. Here is the link: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/hunting-in-action/banding-together/send-in-your-duck-band-details/