Still Conditions, Still Working the Spread

Image Above: Chris Brankin getting into his work early, getting the decoys set before the birds start to roll in.

We’re now three weeks into the 2026 game bird season, and it’s been a rather unusual start.

Conditions have been relatively settled, with a noticeable lack of the strong winds that typically get our big-water hunters excited. While those blustery days have been few and far between so far, there’s still plenty of season ahead for that classic weather to roll through.

On the flip side, the calm conditions have played right into the hands of hunters who’ve been putting in the time scouting riverbeds for roosting birds. Reports from the field have been very encouraging, with some excellent results coming from those focusing on concealment and smart setups. As always, success in these environments comes down to getting in tight to where the birds want to be and staying well hidden.

A bag limit of black swans was achieved for Dorian Garrick with the help of eager dog Whio during a North Canterbury hunt.

It’s also been great to see hunters reporting in bands from the mallard banding project carried out over the summer.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many hunters enjoying the added excitement and novelty of harvesting a banded bird, something we haven’t seen a lot of in this region before. It’s a fantastic result for both the project and the hunting community.

Banding Update

Field Officer Matthew Garrick bands a mallard at Lake Ellesmere during the 2026 project.

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 the North Canterbury region and 1 50km away in the Central South Island region.

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.

If you have shot a banded bird click the button below for uploading your band details.

Pheasant Weekend No.1 Fast Approaching

The North Canterbury region currently has three weekends over the season where you are are able to hunt the species.

We’re now just one week away from the first of North Canterbury’s much-anticipated pheasant hunting weekends, kicking off from 30 May through to 1 June.

These weekends provide a great opportunity to mix things up, offering a fresh challenge and a chance to get even more value out of your gamebird licence. They’re always well supported, with many hunters going all-in to make the most of the event.

With the increased activity, safety is paramount. Clear communication with fellow hunters and maintaining strong situational awareness are key to ensuring everyone enjoys a successful and safe weekend in the field.

Remember that our regulations cap hunters at one cock pheasant each day, so this first weekend offers a great chance to bag 3 birds over the long King's Birthday weekend period. 

Access Around Lake Ellesmere: Making Your Hunting Easier 

Drain Road Access point after the new works have been completed.

Before the season started, we completed improvements to a number of access points around Lake Ellesmere.

Contractors have re-gravelled several road ends, making it easier for hunters to park and manoeuvre vehicles without the risk of getting stuck or damaging the ground.

The upgraded access points include:

• Drain Road

• Lake Road South

• Embankment Road

These improvements should make access more reliable and help enhance the overall hunting experience in the area.

Taking Your Meals to the Next Level

We're checking out the Fish + Game Cookbook by Angelo Georgalli, a must-have for any wild game enthusiast.

When it comes to game birds, the book features an impressive selection of recipes for species like Mallards/Grey Ducks, Paradise Shelducks, Shoveler, Pūkeko, Black Swans, Quail, and Pheasants. It also includes delicious ways to prepare the sport fish managed by Fish & Game.

You can pick up a copy at our North Canterbury office, select retailers and bookstores, or order the easy way, online at this link.

Make sure you’re following us on all our channels so you don’t miss a beat!

Hunting Notice Board

Being a Responsible Hunter

It’s your responsibility as a hunter to know and follow all Fish & Game regulations, as well as local council rules and firearms safety requirements. Before heading out, take the time to properly assess your hunting area. Know exactly where you are, who might be nearby, whether you should notify nearby landowners or neighbours, and what your safe shooting zones are.

These are not afterthoughts. They are essential considerations every time you go hunting.

If you do encounter members of the public while you’re out, remember that you represent all hunters. Be respectful, act responsibly, and uphold the standards that keep hunting safe, respected, and supported across our communities.

Fish & Game Hunting Knowledge Hub Online Now

If you haven’t already come across it on the Fish & Game website, we now have a dedicated Hunting Knowledge Hub packed with valuable resources developed by Fish & Game staff from across the country.

We highly recommend checking it out. Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned pro, there’s something in there for everyone.

Check it out here: Hunting Knowledge Hub

Staff from around New Zealand will again complete Game Bird Hunter Harvest Survey Calls this year.

Be prepared, as any licence holder may receive a call on each period (there is a chance you may also be called more than once throughout the season). These calls are vital for managing the populations as they give us a great estimate of how many birds have been harvested across the country. If you want to look at the full report from the 2025 South Island Harvest Survey, use this link.

Want to improve your hunting knowledge and skills?

Complete the free online Better Hunter courses to enhance your knowledge and skills. Create a free account and start the courses at home in your own time. These are great for both new novice hunters and those with more experience, looking for a refresher on some good practices. Use this link.

Matthew Garrick attaches the final piece to one of the Boggy Creek stands.

Need some help building or scrubbing up your maimai to stay hidden from game birds?

Reach out to the North Canterbury team, which is more than happy to provide advice on safe and effective maimai builds and how to keep the maimai hidden in a variety of locations. Don’t hesitate to stop by the office or call the office phone.

Know your 7 Rules of Firearm Safety

Click the poster above to learn more!

Weather, Wind & River Flow Outlook

Wind Radar:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday: 

Monday:

Lake Ellesmere:

Rakaia:

Culverden:

To help you plan your hunting trips, be sure to check the following resources:

• E-Can River Flows: River Flow Data
• Outdoor Access Live Cameras: Live Cameras (subscription required)
• MetService Weather Warnings: Weather Warnings
• Windy: Wind Radar
• Yr Weather Service (most accurate for High Country): Yr Website
• Canterbury Weather Updates: Webcams and Website

Stay safe out there!

Please note: This weather update is current at the time of publishing. We recommend checking the latest forecasts, river flows and road conditions before heading out.

We Need Your Hunts!

Send pictures and details of your hunts to be shared with the North Canterbury community to Jackson at [email protected]

The best photos for our newsletters should be taken in landscape and should include smiling faces or hunters in action. (large bird piles will not be shared.)

Grab your 2026 Game Bird Licence Online Now!

Click on the Game Bird Habitat Stamp above to get your licence online now!

If you would like to order a 2026 Game Bird Habitat Stamp, please visit this link: Order Stamp Here

Next Report: Thursday 4th June 2026

Warm Barrels!

Jackson Meecham & the team at North Canterbury Fish & Game