Winter Conditions Starting to Deliver Opportunity

Photo Above: Guy Gardiner a Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Councillor has been exploring the other South Island regions in search of ducks, above is the evidence of his spoils. 

There is a noticeable shift happening across North Canterbury as the season begins to lean further into winter.

Colder mornings, a touch of more regular rain, and some more wind than we had previously seen have started to change the behaviour of birds, and for those willing to adapt, the rewards are beginning to show.

Frosty starts are starting to arrive, and with them comes a different kind of movement. Birds will start feeding later, and hold tighter through the early hours, and respond well to those prepared to be in position at first light. The recent run of slightly unsettled weather has also helped freshen things up, pushing birds around and creating new opportunities in both familiar spots and areas that may not have held numbers earlier in the season.

Wind, while somtimes seen as a challenge, is starting to work in favour of hunters. Slightly stronger conditions are breaking up flight lines and encouraging birds to move lower and more frequently throughout the day. Hopefully, combined with periods of rain, we should see some very solid shooting for those making the effort to get out when conditions are less than perfect.

With the variable lake levels at Lake Ellesmere, it can be very worthwhile exploring new locations that may have been uncovered when the lake drops. 

Encouragingly, feedback from recent survey calls shows that hunters who are getting out are starting to find success.

Consistent reports point to birds being in good condition and responding well when approached thoughtfully. Those adjusting their setups, paying attention to changing weather patterns, and making the most of short windows of activity are seeing the benefits.

This is the time of the season when effort really begins to pay off. Opportunities are there, but they are not always as obvious or as easy as earlier in the year. Being flexible, watching the weather closely, and taking advantage of those colder mornings or windy afternoons can make all the difference.

As winter continues to settle in, conditions are lining up well for those prepared to make the most of them. For North Canterbury hunters, now is the time to get out, stay persistent, and capitalise on what the season is starting to offer.

Banding Update

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

So far, 16 banded birds have been harvested in the North Canterbury region, although some of these originated from banding sites outside the region.

Of particular note, 11 birds banded at the Lake Ellesmere site have been recovered. 10 in the North Canterbury region. These numbers have not changed over the last couple of weeks. 

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.

Why New Zealand Game Bird Hunting Is Different

CJ Pfund, a keen game bird hunter from Arizona in the USA, has come over to New Zealand in search of some unfamiliar species.

Game bird hunting in New Zealand stands apart on the world stage, and North Canterbury is a prime example of why. It is a place where access, opportunity, and tradition combine to create something genuinely unique.

One of the biggest differences is freedom of access. In many parts of the world, hunting is locked behind private land, expensive leases, or guided packages. Here, hunters can take to a wide range of public wetlands and rivers with little more than their licence and a touch of preparation. Across North Canterbury, from riverbeds to Lake Ellesmere, the ability to simply get out and hunt is a privilege that should not be taken for granted.

The range of species also sets New Zealand apart. North Canterbury hunters can pursue strong populations of mallards, alongside paradise shelduck, black swan, and shoveler. Each species brings its own challenge, whether it is the wariness of mature mallards or the distinctive flight of paradise ducks. Add in upland options like pheasant and quail, and there is a diversity that keeps the season interesting from start to finish. On top of this, summer seasons provide further opportunity, allowing game bird hunting to be enjoyed across more than one time of year.

Equally important are the season structures and bag limits, which strike a balance between sustainability and opportunity.

The hunting seasons around the regions typically run from early May well into winter, giving hunters genuine time in the field rather than a short window. Daily bag limits are generous by international standards, allowing for success on good days while still protecting the long-term health of bird populations.

That sense of trust feeds directly into the culture of the sport. Opening morning remains one of the most anticipated days of the year across the country. Maimais are prepared weeks in advance, groups gather before daylight, and traditions are passed down through families and mates. It is as much about the shared experience as it is about the birds themselves.

What really makes it special, though, is that this is not a heavily commercialised environment. In New Zealand, game bird hunting is grounded in community, accessibility, and respect. Respect for the resource, for the land, and for each other. Hunters are not just participants; they are contributors, helping to fund habitat work and conservation through the very system that gives them access.

In North Canterbury, that combination of open access, species variety, fair regulations, and strong tradition creates something rare. It is hunting in its purest form, accessible, challenging, and deeply rewarding.

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 2 July 2026

Warm Barrels!

Jackson Meecham & the team at North Canterbury Fish & Game