Both Barrels July 2024 - Hawke's Bay

Well, the duck hunting season is over for another year, and at our Hawkes Bay base our pair of swans are already nesting and the mallards are paired up looking for nesting sites and what mixed season it has been! We started off with incredibly dry conditions, with some ponds dry or close to it, low river levels and mixed success for opening weekend. Some shooters had great early season success whilst others had lots of ducks on their ponds leading up and even on opening morning, only to have them fly off and few return. We saw some farmers making the most of the dry settled conditions to undertake earthworks to enlarge ponds or create islands in early May when normally conditions would be wet and changeable.

With more rain later in the season many of the shooters who did get out, had better success, as the ducks spread out more and smaller ponds shot well with ducks looking for worms in the surrounding paddocks.

The massive quantities of maize planted around the bay, not only meant there was heaps of maize stubble for ducks ; particularly the parries to flock to, but because there was so much planted, the harvest was very drawn out giving the ducks good feeding opportunities over the whole season. With all the maize around the ducks and geese were well fed and in great condition for the table, with many shooters commenting on the great condition of the ducks and geese they shot.

We saw high numbers of Swan, and Canadian Geese on the ephemeral wetlands in central Hawkes Bay and it was good to see shooters making the most of this resource. What was even more pleasing was to hear that little was wasted, with all the recovered swans being breasted and what the shooters didn’t use themselves being processed into sausages and salami and donated to a local Marae for all to enjoy at a Matariki celebration. From all accounts they went down a real treat and it’s a timely reminder that the game bird season isn’t just about shooting mallards, its often the “by catch” that makes it really interesting. Most of us like eating a nice fat mallard or pheasant, but when did you eat swan or pukeko last?

We have lots of Pukeko in Hawkes Bay many vegetable growers and cropping farmers suffer crop damage from them, it’s a pity not many shooters target them, as its surprising just how much good lean breast meat there is on one pukeko. The Hawkes Bay staff and some of their families were recently treated to a gamebird pie which everyone raved about, but they were all surprised when it was revealed they had just enjoyed a pukeko pie.  I too must admit to being really impressed by some barbequed steak I tried a while ago, but pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be Canadian goose, the key point is; they are gamebirds because they are good to eat!

Most of our waterfowl, cook very well on small covered gas BBQs because they seal the moisture in and retain the flavour; for ducks the trick is to leave the skin on the breast meat to be cooked, the skin and layer of fat under the skin helps keep it moist and succulent  – save the leg and thigh to casserole (confit for the posh). Most importantly pre-heat the BBQ to 200-250 deg C, cover the meat with a little oil, add seasoning or BBQ rub if you like and cook for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid down, the key is not to overcook and dry it out.  We live in Hawkes Bay, where we are blessed with some of the best red wines in the world, couple that with well-cooked wild game and you have a dinner fit for a king, to share with friends, family and your shooting mates. On the topic of cooking our gamebirds, if you haven’t had a read of The Fish and Game cookbook, I suggest you do; its full of inspirational ideas on how you can make the most of the many and varied fresh, organic and free-range meats that you can harvest on your gamebird license.

With duck season over, there is still plenty of opportunity with the Pheasant, Quail and Pukeko season running through until 25 August. We have had good feedback from upland game shooters who have had good hunting in central Hawkes Bay, the riverbeds, and recently planted forestry blocks. As a keen trout fisherman and hunter, a nice cock pheasant is a win, win – great eating and the bonus of some nice pheasant tails to tie nymphs and the rump feathers if you want to tie Mrs Simpson lures, and a great excuse to get out for a challenging hunt.

Here at Fish and Game Hawkes Bay we have an educational facility where we have open days and frequent school visits and have run a variety of angling programs, one thing that we are frequently asked about is opportunities for adult anglers and hunters; and particularly opportunities for women.

To support the growing interest and participation of women in angling and hunting, Hawkes Bay Fish & Game will facilitate the establishment of a dedicated club that caters specifically to women. The club will create a supportive and empowering environment where women of all skill levels can come together to learn, grow, and enjoy these traditional outdoor pursuits.

Objectives:

1. Empowerment through Education: Provide a platform where women can learn and develop skills in angling and hunting in a supportive and non-intimidating atmosphere.
2. Inclusivity: Welcome women of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans, and foster a sense of community and camaraderie.
3. Promote Mental Well-being: Help women access the mental health benefits associated with outdoor activities, such as stress reduction, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
4. Skill Enhancement: Offer opportunities for women to expand their knowledge and proficiency in angling, hunting techniques, and outdoor survival skills.
5. Advocate for Conservation: Encourage responsible outdoor practices and conservation ethics among members.

To learn more about this initiative click here 

If you would like to register your interest in joining click here 

Once we have established that there is a demand we will organise a get together here at the Game Park to start planning and brainstorming.