Young duck caller makes his mark on opening weekend

Eleven-year-old Mason Parish will remember his opening weekend of the game bird season for a long time.

The Fairfield youngster called in a couple of ducks alongside his father Thomas at the Otago Fish & Game-managed Takitakitoa wetland on the lower Taieri.

Above: Mason Parish, 11, calls ducks alongside his father Thomas in the maimai at the Takitakitoa wetland. Photo: Bruce Quirey, Otago Fish & Game

"It was pretty cool for him to call in a couple of ducks," Thomas Parish said. "It's something he won't forget."

"It's been great for the young fella to see what it's about. He's enjoyed every moment of it."

Mr Parish said the managed wetland was an ideal environment for juniors and newcomers to find their feet — a great resource in a controlled, safe environment — and that keeping the tradition alive for the next generation was what it was all about.

At the end of the opening day they had bagged 12 ducks — eight mallards and four paradise shelducks/pūtangitangi.

The 2026 game bird season got underway across Otago on Saturday with fog clinging to coastal areas before lifting to a fine, sunny autumn day with a light breeze. Hunters further inland enjoyed similarly settled conditions, though birds were frequently flying high.

Left: Enjoying opening day at Otago Fish & Game’s Waitapeka Wildlife Management Reserve are Ryan Dunbar (left), Oliver (aged 8) and young Lab Eve, who managed her first water retrieval. Photo: Bruce Quirey

Success varied across the region. Paradise shelduck were taken in good numbers in many areas, while mallard bags were modest to average. The best-prepared hunters were the most successful.

Otago Fish & Game communications officer Bruce Quirey said the mood among hunters across the region was positive.

"Bird numbers were mixed, but hunters were in great spirits and the vast majority were doing the right thing out there.

“Our rangers had a busy day and were well received wherever they went. There's a good season ahead — we'd encourage everyone to get back out and make the most of it."

Rangers were active across multiple parts of the region — including the Taieri, South Otago, the Catlins, Wakatipu, and Wānaka — contacting hunters at dozens of ponds and wetlands on private and public land.

Compliance was high. Isolated offences included hunting without a valid game bird licence, use of lead shot, the taking of a pukeko (zero bag limit in Otago), and a protected grey teal — exceptions in an otherwise well-managed opening day.

Mr Quirey said participation from junior and first-time hunters was a highlight.

"Hunting conditions can only improve as we move into winter — and there's still plenty of season left to enjoy."