Both Barrels May 2026 - Taranaki

The current fine, cool conditions are forecast to continue through to 26/27 May, when a weather system arrives to bring rain and wind to move ducks around.

Until then, early morning and evening shoots are likely to be most productive. Hunters are starting to see birds moving in the evenings, despite the settled conditions.

There are still plenty of ponds and oxy ponds that have not yet been shot.

Scouting out some of these to find where the ducks are hanging out and setting up for a shoot with a handful of decoys and a layout blind or camo net can be a good way to go.

The dry conditions mean there’s a lack of standing water in paddocks to attract ducks, but paradise are still congregating on areas of new sown grass in stubble fields.

Paddocks where maize has recently been harvested for grain can also be a magnet for ducks, as are farms where maize silage is being fed to stock.

Walk-up shoots along streams and targeting duck camps on the larger river pools is another option.

A successful farm oxy pond shoot

Upland Hunting at Harakeke and Tauwhare Forests & Nukumaru Recreation Reserve

If you're keen to set the sights on pheasants near Whanganui, it’s well worth considering getting access to Harakeke and Tauwhare forests and Nukumaru Recreation Reserve. There has been little hunting pressure in Harakeke and Tauwhare forests so far this season, so they are well worth a visit.

To hunt in Harakeke (two blocks) or Tauwhare (one block), you’ll need to be selected through a weekly draw. These areas are open for upland game hunting only on Saturdays and Sundays. Here’s how it works:

1. Ensure you have your current game license and firearms license information handy, then contact Taranaki Fish & Game by either calling 027 263 9152 or emailing [email protected] to claim your free hunting permit.
2. Enter the draw by getting in touch with Fish & Game before 12 noon on Wednesday each week. You can apply for one or more blocks and days. (If you're hunting with others, just one person from your group should enter).
3. You’ll be contacted on Thursday afternoon to let you know if you’ve been successful. (You must win a spot in the draw to be allowed to hunt that weekend).

One complicating factor at Harakeke, is that owing to wind damage at Santoft Forest, the Ridge Runner Sled Dog Club is using the part of Harakeke Forest owned by Ernslaw One on one day each weekend, with a preference for Saturday. In terms of time, they will convoy into the forest at 7am and generally be finished by 10am. They will notify which day they’re going to use the forest on their facebook page. For further information email [email protected] or ring 0272639152.

Nukumaru Recreation Reserve - Permit Required, No Draw

You don’t need to enter a draw for Nukumaru, but you do need a valid permit from Fish & Game (which you can also contact us for). Once you have that:

1. Contact the grazing leasee listed on your permit before you go hunting to ask for access. For Blocks 4 & 5 you must get permission directly from the leaseholder before entering these areas. This is a condition set by the Whanganui District Council.

Band Returns

Thanks to all who have sent through their band returns to date.

So far this season we’ve received information from 31 ducks banded in Taranaki.

If you harvest a banded bird, we encourage you to report it via the Fish & Game website.

In return, you’ll receive a summary of the bird’s history, including the year and approximate location it was banded, its age and sex at the time and how far it travelled between the banding and recovery site (you can keep the band, we just need the information on it!)

It’s always interesting to see the story behind your bird and by reporting it, you’re helping to protect the future of waterfowl hunting in New Zealand. Plus, every valid band report is automatically entered into the draw for prizes through Fish & Game’s Banding Together initiative.