Both Barrels July - Hawke's Bay
- Hawke's Bay
- 21/07/2025
Duck hunting season is over for another year in Hawkes Bay but there is still plenty of upland game and pukeko hunting opportunities to be had until the close of the gamebird season on 31 August. Those hunters we spoke to, and some of our staff that ventured at for the closing weekend of duck hunting had good success with some nice fat mallards and plenty of paradise ducks, it was interesting to see lots of mallards around in the last week or so of the season on farm ponds and on the rivers.
We have really noticed an increase in Canada geese numbers throughout Hawkes Bay, particularly in Central Hawkes Bay and Porangahau, they aren’t controlled under the gamebird licence anymore, so you can hunt them anytime of the year, by any means, they add variety and opportunity for waterfowl hunters, they are challenging to hunt, and great eating. Many farmers are troubled by large flocks of geese destroying new plantings, so there is opportunity to work with the farming community with organised hunts. Hunters need to remember that Canada geese are very wary, have great eyesight and learn very quickly. If you want to hunt them, our advice is to make sure your first attempt as effective as it possibly can be, ideally get some advice from some local experts or better still invite them along, have a big well set spread of decoys, good blinds and a good team.
River hunting provides some great opportunities and there is always a good chance of encountering pheasant, quail or pukeko – our field team have seen quite a few pheasants and several coveys of quail on recent trout spawning surveys. Hunting with a good dog, quietly in the early morning and evening, pinpointing crowing pheasants will often improve your success rate. Whilst there are many pheasants in and around orchards, maize crops and young pine blocks that are on private property, we have opportunities in most Hawkes Bay riverbeds, which support good numbers, topped up by pheasants that “refugee” out of preserves, and by donated birds from a local preserve that we released throughout the bay’s riverbeds last year. These donated Pheasants were banded and released in small numbers over many sites, so if you shoot a pheasant please check if its banded and let us know the band number and area shot, we promise we will not tell everyone your favourite spot.
Please see link below to enter the band details – please remember you don’t need to send us your band, keep it as trophy if you like, but please fill in the details below, so we know how many of these birds are harvested and how far they have travelled.
For the hunter and particularly novice hunters, after hunting opportunities, there is an abundance of Pūkeko throughout the region, with many landowners happy to allow hunters access; provided they ask permission. Many growers suffer damage from pukeko, to the point that Fish and Game must issue them permits to disturb, we try to limit the issue these during the gamebird season and encourage growers to allow their staff, family and friends to hunt them. We acknowledge that some blocks aren’t suitable for shotgun shooting due to the close proximity of neighbours, sensitive livestock and roads, so please consider your hunting area. Flushing Pukeko from cover is a great way to get novice hunters involved, as many find Pukeko, a little easier to hit than a pheasant exploding from cover or a duck rocketing past a maimai and there are some good recipes in the Fish and Game cookbook to try on this often-overlooked gamebird.
Junior Driven Pheasant Hunt - 10 August.
If you haven’t put your name down yet you may miss out and an incredible opportunity - a free world class driven pheasant hunt, free coaching, the opportunity to take home; what many consider to be the best eating of all our game birds and the opportunity to hang out with Fish and Game’s new patron – Dame Linda Topp for the day.
This hunt will on the 10 August, so time to enter is running out fast. Hawkes Bay has been lucky to have similar hunts previously, where opportunities were plentiful, smiles on juniors and parents’ faces were universal; although I’m sure many of the parents were trying hard to hide their envy at the juniors getting the sort of hunt than many adult hunters dream of for free. This hunt promises to deliver lifelong memories for 9 very lucky winners. Ideally you will be able to bring a side by side or under and over gun, (not semi-automatic) and ammunition for 12 or 20 gauge will be supplied.
How do I enter – all junior hunters purchasing a 2025 Hawkes Bay Junior full season gamebird license will be eligible for this draw. Visit the Hawkes Bay Fish and Game Facebook page or follow the link to lodge your entry.
https://forms.office.com/r/Q9YCZjUCwk
Other important News and Events
Hawkes Bays Fish and Game’s, New Junior Fin & Feather Club.
By establishing "Feather & Fin Juniors," we aim to create a nurturing environment where young enthusiasts can safely explore and develop their interests in fishing and gamebird hunting, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and conservation.
Mission
To foster a love for trout fishing and duck hunting among young people by providing a safe, inclusive, and educational environment where they can connect with nature, learn essential outdoor skills, and build lasting friendships.
Who It's For
Young people aged 11–18 in the Hawke’s Bay region who are interested in outdoor adventures, conservation, and learning the art of fly fishing and game bird hunting.
For more information check out our Facebook page, visit the website or follow the link.
Fly Tying Workshops
For all our hunters who also fish, we have these fly-tying workshops that can help wile away the winter days before fishing season kicks off. These workshops will have you tying like a pro. Learn how to tie patterns that match the local insect life and water conditions, tweak colours, sizes & materials to suit specific trout behaviour or seasons. Get those creative juices flowing with this unique art form and it's even more satisfying when it leads to that awesome catch. You control the craftmanship, durability and materials - often resulting in better quality flies than you can purchase. So, join in and give it a go, all materials supplied. We have Junior’s, Women’s & Men’s Workshops available. Register here https://forms.office.com/r/Ls3yE9w73Y
Fish & Fowl Community Market Day – Saturday 13th September 9am-1pm
We are busy making plans for the Fish & Fowl Community Market Day that will be held at the Game Farm in Jervoistown.
It’s time to start clearing out the garage and give your outdoor gear a second chance to shine! The Fish & Fowl Community Market Day is your one-stop shop for buying and selling pre-loved fishing and game bird hunting equipment. Snap up a bargain or make some cash while connecting with fellow enthusiasts in our community.
More details to come but keep an eye on our Facebook page for further details and how to register a stand. https://www.facebook.com/HBFishandGame
Disclaimer:
The information presented in these news items is based on the context and regulations in place at the time of publication. Please note that some articles may include reference to laws and regulatory standards that have since changed. For the most current and accurate information please check our Fishing Licences & Regulations pages or our Hunting Licences & Regulations pages.