Wellington Weekly Hunting Report – May 11 2017

Second Chance At Opening

Image right: Rangers in the lower North Island checking hunter compliance last Saturday (Credit Hamish Carnachan)

The weather gods are a little late on the scene but they've arrived in time for a second shot at Opening. 

After clear skies and calm conditions last weekend, the rough weather due to arrive today and set to persist through to Saturday, at least, will provide some welcome hunting conditions that don't favour the ducks for a change.

Strong winds and a changeable direction will put birds on the wing from this afternoon and keep them unsettled through to midday Saturday so make the most of it and make up for last weekend.

And despite the settled weather over Opening, there is little doubt that there are more ducks around than we've seen for some time.     

It isn't too late to get your licence here and get into what still promises to be one of the best seasons for years.

Here are the prospects for Opening Weekend:

Wellington/Wairarapa

Friday		Some heavy rain and a strong southerly change hits early - Absolutely perfect waterfowl hunting conditions.
Saturday		Strong southerly easing around midday, then mainly fine.
Sunday		Mainly fine with northerly developing throughout the day.

Manawatu

Friday		Some heavy rainfall and an early change to strong southerlies - Perfect waterfowl hunting weather if you can get out of work.
Saturday		Dying south-easterlies and increasing fine spells. An early shoot is definitely worth a crack.
Sunday		Cloud developing but generally light winds.

Rangitikei

Friday		Heavy rain eases to showers but strong southerly developing throughout the day. Great weather for a morning or evening shoot.
Saturday		Southerly eases throughout the day; cloudy then mainly fine.
Sunday		Mainly fine with light winds.

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Three day rain forecast

For the latest rain forecast click here

Friday, May 12	Saturday, May 13	Sunday, May 14

Hunter Safety Praised

Safe start to season 

Game bird hunters throughout the Wellington Fish & Game region and the rest of the country are being praised for a safe start to the season.

No incidents were reported over Opening weekend which suggests the message about firearms safety and hunter responsibility is getting through. 

Fish & Game has worked closely with the Mountain Safety Council on firearms safety and messaging ahead of this game season. 

Of course there's still plenty of shooting on offer in the weeks ahead so we're still urging hunters to take utmost care. again, please refresh yourself with the seven golden rules of firearms safety below: 

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED

- Check every firearm yourself.
- Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2. ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. LOAD A FIREARM ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE
- Load the magazine only after you reach your hunting area.
- Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.
- Completely unload before leaving the hunting area.

4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT
- Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.
- Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise.

5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE
- THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?
- Do not fire if you know others are in your firing zone.

6. STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SAFELY
- When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.
- Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended.

7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS
- Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.