Across the Ocean to Boggy Creek

Photo Above: CJ Pfund with the perfect pair of parries.

Some hunting trips are good yarns. Others turn into something a bit special. For CJ Pfund, making the trip all the way from the USA to New Zealand, this one well and truly sits in the second camp. A proper Kiwi game bird experience, and Boggy Creek on Lake Ellesmere delivered the kind of day you just don’t forget.

A Classic Canterbury Start

We kicked things off early on a cool Canterbury morning, that sort of still, quiet start where everything feels like it’s lining up just right. There was only a light breeze pushing across the lake, enough to give the decoys a bit of life without making things tricky.

We tucked ourselves into the maimai, waiting for things to unfold. It didn’t take long.

Birds were on the move straight away. Mallards started working along near us, and before long we had one in the bag. Not long after that, the first parries showed interest, and we managed to pick up one early in the piece. 

It was one of those starts that gets you thinking it might be a pretty handy day.

Whio swims out to retrieve the first mallard of the day.

The Moment of the Day

But the highlight, the one that had CJ absolutely fizzing, came a bit later on.

A pair of parries appeared out of nowhere and from the get-go you could tell they were interested. They had a look, circled once, then locked in properly. Feet down, wings cupped, dropping right into the heart of the spread like they owned the place.

You could feel the excitement in the maimai. It does not get much better than that. Visiting hunter, new country, and a pair of paradise ducks doing it textbook over the decoys.

CJ was up and into it, full of energy but nice and controlled, and he made the most of it. A clean pair taken right where you want them. Two shots, two birds.

That moment alone would have made the whole trip worth it.

That moment of pure joy when you realised you have achieved the goal you so desperately wanted.

Settling In for the Day

After that early flurry, we settled into a steady rhythm. We stayed put in the maimai and worked the day properly, watching birds move through and seeing how they reacted to the spread.

There was no shortage of action. We had birds coming at us consistently, but that light wind started playing games. Plenty would swing in, have a good look, then just hang out on the edge of range where you couldn’t quite get onto them cleanly.

Frustrating at times, but that is hunting. Keeps you honest.

We even had a couple of black swans drift past and give us a good look. They knew exactly what they were doing though, sitting just off the back edge of the spread like they were toying with us. Close enough to get the heart going, not quite close enough to seal the deal.

A Taste of Home in the Maimai

Midday rolled around and we took the chance to slow things down a bit. Out came the American hot dogs, which felt pretty fitting given the company.

There is something about sharing a feed in the maimai that just adds to the whole experience. Swapping stories, comparing hunting back home in the States to what we do here, and just enjoying being out in a place like Boggy Creek.

CJ was loving every minute of it.

What the mallard sees as you suddenly pop out of the maimai to take your shot.

Evening Pays Off

As the day wore on, we started watching for that evening lift, and sure enough things picked up again as the light dropped away.

A couple of mallards made the wrong call and committed nicely, giving us a couple more solid birds to round things out.

A tidy finish to a full day.

Last light provided some of the best bird-trading chances of the day; Harry Graham-Samson even snuck a shot in. 

More Than Just a Hunt

At the end of it all, as we packed up and looked over the spread, it was one of those days where the numbers did not really matter. It was about the moments. The early action, the birds that almost committed, and that perfect pair of parries that did everything right.

CJ took the time to pack his birds away properly, looking after them carefully for the trip back to the USA. They are headed for the wall, and rightly so. Every time he sees them, they will take him straight back to Boggy Creek, Lake Ellesmere, and a proper New Zealand hunting day.

For someone travelling halfway around the world, you always hope it lives up to expectations.

This one did that and then some.

Boggy Creek turned it on, the birds played the game, and CJ got a real taste of what Kiwi game bird hunting is all about.

You would struggle to script it much better.

Banding Update

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

So far, 18 banded birds have been harvested in the North Canterbury region, although some of these originated from banding sites outside the region.

Of particular note, 13 birds banded at the Lake Ellesmere site have been recovered. 12 in the North Canterbury 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.

North Canterbury Banded Mallards Recovery Map. (Includes only birds banded at the Lake Ellesmere Site).

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

Final Month of the Gamebird Season – Make the Most of It

Well, here we are already in the final month of the gamebird hunting season. It’s hard to believe how quickly the last couple of months have flown by.

A week ago, we finally saw a decent southerly move through. I’m sure a few of our die-hard big-water hunters took full advantage of that rough weather window, as southerlies have been few and far between this season. The weather also brought some much-needed rain, flooding low-lying areas and creating fresh feeding opportunities for birds.

As we head into the last month of the season, keep a close eye on the forecast. If strong winds or unsettled weather are on the cards, it could be well worth getting out there and making the most of the conditions. There’s still some great hunting to be had before the season wraps up.

We’ve also got another pheasant weekend coming up on 4–5 July, providing another chance to put a cock pheasant in the bag if you missed the June hunt. If you can’t make it out this weekend, don’t worry—there’s still one final pheasant hunting opportunity available on 1–2 August.

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 16 July 2026

Warm Barrels!

Jackson Meecham & the team at North Canterbury Fish & Game