North Canterbury - Bi-Weekly Hunting Report 22 May 2025

Recap of the last two week

After talking with multiple hunters over the past couple of weeks, overall hunters have been enjoying themselves and harvesting a good number of birds whether they’re hunting public or private land which is great to hear.

Now there isn’t as much surface water around the region, the birds should start coming back to their original roosting areas prior to the flood event.

While we haven’t had big southerlies come through the region yet, be sure to check the weather forecast over the coming weeks and be sure to make the most of it when they do arrive.

Be sure to check out our Both Barrels newsletter at the link below.

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/follow-the-hunt/both-barrels/both-barrels-may-2025-north-canterbury

Prepare for the first pheasant weekend

We’re just one full week away from the first of North Canterbury’s much-anticipated pheasant hunting weekends.

These events offer a fantastic opportunity for hunters to make the most of their licence by enjoying a fresh challenge and adding some variety to their season.

Many hunters go all in for these weekends, so it’s essential to prioritise safety. Be sure to communicate clearly with others in the area and always stay aware of your surroundings.

Date: Start of day Saturday, 31^st May  until end of day Monday, 2^nd June.

The Do’s and Don’ts 

Do’s

• Always carry a hunting and firearms licence
• Be safe with firearms and on the water - know the seven rules for safe firearm handling.
• Be an ambassador for hunters - hunt ethically & responsibly
• Clean your game bird harvest quickly to ensure the best quality meat for your table
• Ensure you make sure there is no ‘toxic’ shot in your bag
• Bury waste after cleaning your birds
• Follow the rules

Don'ts

• Don't drink & hunt
• Don't leave rubbish at your stand
• Don't be unethical – respect your quarry and the hunting regulations

Weather Outlook

Wind Scale

Rain Scale

Friday 23rd May

Rain

Saturday 24th May

Rain

Sunday 25th May

Wind

Rain

Monday 26th May

Wind

Rain

Tuesday 27th May

Rain

Firearm Safety

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of settling into the maimai during duck season.

The early morning mist, good mates, and the promise of a memorable hunt – it’s what we live for. But a successful and safe day out isn’t about luck. So don’t wing it.

Your maimai might be full of friends, family, and even the dog, making safety more important than ever. It only takes a few simple steps to make sure everyone enjoys the day and heads home safely. Start by nominating someone to take charge of safety. Then, discuss the plan together so everyone knows their role before the first ducks appear.

The safety lead should ensure everyone sticks to the Seven Basic Rules of Firearms Safety. Always treat every shotgun as loaded and never forget – the time for drinks is after the firearms are safely locked away.

Let’s make this duck season a great one. Take the time, make the plan, and keep it safe.

Check out the following links, which contain a range of helpful information from the Firearms Safety Authority and the Mountain Safety Council:

• https://www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/duck-safety
• https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/learn/activities/game-bird
  
  

Hunting Notice Board

• 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 2024 South Island Harvest Survey, use this link: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/assets/DMS/About-us/FG-Regional-Councils/North-Canterbury/Council-Downloads/2024/SI-Hunter-Harvest-Report-2024.pdf
   
• Want to improve your hunting knowledge and skills? Complete the free online Better Hunter courses to enhance your knowledge and skills. Create an 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: https://www.betterhunting.nz
   
• 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 in in person or call the office phone.
   
• Always remember the seven rules of firearms safety this season:

1. Treat every firearm as loaded
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction
3. Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire
4. Identify your target beyond all doubt
5. Check your firing zone
6. Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol when handling a firearm

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