North Canterbury - Bi-Weekly Hunting Report 8 May 2025
- North Canterbury
- 8/05/2025
Opening Weekend Recap
Harsh weather conditions last week forced many hunters to resort to plans B, C and even D around the region; however, it did not deter those who got out from enjoying the opening weekend traditions.
Birds were spoilt for options on where to feed up with significant flooding across the region however, it seemed those who used these floods to their advantage found great success.
Although the harvest numbers around the region were very mixed, a significant number of hunters were still satisfied with getting out and enjoying the opening weekend while getting a couple of great-condition birds for the plate.
North Canterbury had different teams of rangers across the region checking licences and talking to hunters. We are pleased to report that most hunters were compliant with regulations however, rangers did encounter some non-compliance. Almost all offences detected were hunting without a licence or using lead shot. Ranging teams chatted with plenty of happy hunters, both on private and public land.
Make the Most of Your Hunting Opportunities
Your success this hunting season comes down to one thing—how much effort you're willing to put in. The more adaptable, creative, and active you are, the better your chances of having a rewarding hunt.
Be Ready to Adapt
Opening weekend saw many hunters having to change their plans on the fly. If your "Plan A" doesn’t work, having a "Plan B" (or even "C") can save your day. Flexibility is a key trait of a successful hunter—don't be afraid to change tactics when conditions shift.
Think Outside the Maimai
In the latest episode of NZ Hunter Adventures, Willie Duley and the team hunted Lake Ellesmere in a unique way—using swan decoys as cover to get closer to the birds. While current water levels mean this isn’t a recommended tactic right now, it’s a great example of creative hunting that can lead to better results.
You can watch the NZ Hunter Adventures episodes for free here: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/nz-hunter-adventures
Try Something New: Cock Pheasant Hunts
Want to mix things up? North Canterbury’s 2025 game bird season includes three weekends when cock pheasants can be hunted:
- 31 May – 2 June (King’s Birthday Weekend)
- 5 – 6 July
- 2 – 3 August
These hunts offer a totally different experience—slow, stalk-style hunting where stealth and timing matter. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and bring something new to the table!
The Minister for Hunting and Fishing Enjoys the Opening Weekend
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has joined the thousands of New Zealanders taking part in the annual game bird hunting season opening.
He spent the morning at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands, a 315-hectare portion of the Lakes Waihola-Waipori wetland south of Dunedin, hosted by Fish & Game New Zealand.
"It was awesome being out there with fellow hunters as the sun rose on opening day," Mr Meager says.
"This isn't just recreation - it's about sustainably harvesting food, teaching the next generation important skills, and maintaining connections to our heritage that stretch back for generations.”
The game bird season opener saw an estimated 60,000 people head to wetlands and waterways across the country, many travelling significant distances from urban centres.
“Fish & Game regions across the country do a great job managing the game-bird populations, looking after wetlands, waterways and wildlife habitats, and making sure this tradition stays sustainable for future generations,” Mr Meager says.
“My priority is to make it as simple as possible for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing in New Zealand. What I saw today was people from all walks of life coming together to do just that.
"Hunters understand the effort and responsibility involved in harvesting wild food, and there's real value in that knowledge. We back our hunters to be part of the conservation solution and will continue to ensure Fish & Game are a responsible, responsive and collaborative organisation providing value for licence-holders' money.”
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
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Friday 9th May
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Saturday 10th May
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Sunday 11th May
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Monday 12th May
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Tuesday 13th May
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Please note: This weather update is current at the time of publishing. We recommend checking the latest forecasts and road conditions before heading out on windy.com
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:
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:
- Treat every firearm as loaded
- Always point firearms in a safe direction
- Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire
- Identify your target beyond all doubt
- Check your firing zone
- Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely
- Avoid alcohol when handling a firearm
Want Your Hunts to be Featured in One of Our Reports?
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. (bird piles will not be shared.)
Stay tuned for the next Bi-Weekly Hunting Report on May 22nd 2025