Thats A Wrap On The 2026 Main Game Bird Season

Photo Above: The only waterfowl that is still huntable throughout August is the Pūkeko, a cheeky bird which brings its own interesting challenge to hunters. Photo Credit: Alistair Craig

As we close the curtain on the 2026 game bird season, it's fair to say it has been a real mixed bag across the region. At times the hunting was nothing short of outstanding, with some memorable days enjoyed by hunters throughout the season.

However, the one thing that never really arrived in force was the prolonged winter weather that game bird hunters rely on. While we had brief cold and windy snaps and the odd promising weather event, true winter conditions rarely hung around for more than a few days at a time, making it difficult to maintain consistent hunting opportunities across the season.

One of the real highlights this year was the banded mallards in the region. These birds provided an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for hunters, giving everyone something special to keep an eye out for beyond Opening Weekend. The positive response from hunters has been fantastic, and the banding programme certainly added another dimension to the season, as well as providing us with some interesting data regarding the movement of these mallards.

Matthew Garrick walks back towards the maimai after helping dog Whio retrieve a duck at Lake Ellesmere. You can see Whio out in the distance on the right of Matt.

Now that the traditional duck season has wrapped up, the following species are closed to hunting for the year:

·      Mallard, Grey Duck and any hybrid of those species

·      New Zealand Shoveler

·      Paradise Shelduck

·      Black Swan

The only remaining waterfowl hunting opportunity is Pūkeko, which remains open until 30 August 2026.

For those not ready to put the shotgun away just yet, there are still plenty of upland game bird opportunities available. California Quail and Chukar remain open until 30 August 2026, providing excellent hunting right through the final weeks of winter.

We also have one final highlight still to come, with a Cock Pheasant Weekend taking place this weekend on 1-2 August. These weekends have become a feature of the hunting calendar, drawing hunters from all around the South Island. The region offers some genuinely exciting pheasant hunting, and we expect another strong turnout as hunters make the most of this last traditional winter hunting opportunity.

One of the final mallard bags from the 2026 season, harvested on Lake Ellesmere.

One of the standout successes of the 2026 season has been the number of new hunters introduced to the sport.

While seasoned hunters may have wished for more winter weather and larger bird movements, the relatively mild conditions proved to be a blessing for many newcomers. The longer breaks between bird activity created more opportunities for mentors and experienced hunters to teach the fundamentals, from safe firearms handling and calling techniques to bird identification and shot selection. Rather than being overwhelmed by large numbers of birds arriving all at once, many first-time hunters were able to build confidence, develop good habits, and truly enjoy their introduction to game bird hunting. Judging by the smiles seen in the maimais, we've welcomed a great crop of future hunters into the sport this year.

Looking back, there is plenty to be positive about. Despite the challenges thrown up by the weather, hunters adapted, enjoyed some exceptional days, embraced the excitement of the new banded mallards, and helped introduce the next generation to our hunting traditions.

Despite being quite small, California quails are still providing plenty of sport right through August for upland game hunters.

As we move towards summer, hunters should remember that there is still plenty of value to be squeezed out of their licence.

The summer game bird seasons for both Mallard and Paradise Shelduck will provide further hunting opportunities early next year, and we encourage everyone to stay engaged and make the most of these additional days.

To ensure you don't miss any announcements, season dates, or important information, make sure you're following our Facebook page. We'll be releasing details and updates regarding the summer game bird seasons in late January 2027. Don’t worry, your 2026 Game Bird Licence covers you for the summer season in 2027.

To everyone who got out there this season, whether it was your first hunt or your fiftieth Opening Day, thank you for being part of it. Here's hoping for a few more birds over the coming month and a more consistent winter in 2027.

Final 2026 Banding Update

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

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

Of particular note, 18 birds banded at the Lake Ellesmere site have been recovered. 16 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.

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

Bird flu (H5N1) confirmed in New Zealand for the first time

MPI has confirmed a detection of H5N1 bird flu in a Brown Skua at Petone. Fish & Game is working with MPI and DOC on the national response.

At this time there’s no evidence of mass mortality in wildlife, or transmission, or between wild birds in NZ. Also no detection in poultry.

What hunters need to know:

• Game bird hunting can continue
• Don't touch sick or dead birds that your hunting party haven’t shot. Watch dogs and children don’t touch the birds
• Clean gear between every outing
• Wash and dry your hands after handling birds

Three or more sick or dead birds? Call 0800 80 99 66 immediately

We'll keep you updated as things develop.

More info at: fishandgame.org.nz & mpi.govt.nz/HPAI

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: April 2027

Warm Barrels!

Jackson Meecham & the team at North Canterbury Fish & Game