Otago farmers creating vital wetland habitats as duck season approaches

As Otago hunters prepare their decoys and check their gear for the opening of the 2025 game bird season this Saturday, May 3, local farmers like David and Susan Hill are being acknowledged for championing wetland conservation and hunter access.

Mr Hill, who farms sheep and beef near Omakau, has been transforming his property into a hotspot for waterfowl, creating multiple ponds that serve both wildlife and hunters.

Otago Fish & Game has recently boosted his efforts with funding through its Habitat Enhancement Fund.

Pictured: Omakau farmer and duck hunter David Hill (left) shows Otago Fish & Game operations manager Jamie Ward around his wetlands. Photo: Mason Court

After growing up in Gore hunting ducks on the Mataura River, he recognised the difference in duck numbers when he bought the farm in Omakau.

“When I came here, I knew that the ducks needed their environment too. It’s not just all sheep and beef,” he said.

"You've got to have good water, and everybody in New Zealand needs good water. I was doing my wee bit, and I feel quite satisfied really."

The HEF programme has helped Mr Hill to plant native shrubs and trees and instal fencing around his ponds, creating safe nesting areas for waterfowl. A local catchment group also fenced off a waterway which flows through his property.

Mr Hill said the improvements not only benefited game birds but would also provide shelter on his farm in an area where "wind can be our biggest enemy".

Since building his first pond in 2008, Mr Hill has observed positive changes in local bird populations.

"There appears to be more swans. At nesting time there appears to be quite a lot of hatches," he said.

“I enjoy seeing the birds flying. Even here at the house there’s fantails and that, and it’s quite a joy.”

Otago Fish & Game operations manager Jamie Ward said landowners like the Hills exemplified how farming and conservation could work hand-in-hand.

“Their commitment to creating quality habitat isn't just good for game birds – it's supporting biodiversity across their property and increasing the 2.8 million hectares of native vegetation on sheep and beef farms in New Zealand."

The relationship between farmers and hunters is vital to the future of game bird hunting in Otago.

Many hunting opportunities in the region occur on private farmland, with access generously provided by rural landowners who understand the importance of this tradition to the community.

"We really appreciate farmers like the Hills who enjoy opening their properties to hunters," Mr Ward said.

"Their willingness to share access creates opportunities for those who don't have their own land to hunt on."

Mr Hill, who has been hunting since he was 12 years old, believes in respect for the species he hunts and the importance of habitat conservation.

"If you are going to hunt something, you've got to respect the breed," he said.

Mr Hill takes pride in providing access to the property for other hunters on opening weekend, while he hunts a nearby property with neighbours. 

"I do like seeing the joy they get," he said.

Additionally, Otago Fish & Game has been offered access to the property for hunting opportunities, catering to hunters with special needs or offering junior hunters a chance to participate.

As the season approaches, Fish & Game reminds all hunters to respect farmland, leave gates as they find them, and always seek permission before entering private property.

The 2025 game bird season opens on Saturday, May 3.

Farmers interested in learning more about the Habitat Enhancement Fund to help restore wetlands are encouraged to contact Otago Fish & Game.