Both Barrels July - Taranaki

Sights on Pūkeko

With the main waterfowl season now closed, attention shifts to the upland game species that remain in season until 31 August, including pūkeko, quail, and cock pheasant. Pūkeko can offer a particularly rewarding and productive hunting opportunity at this time of year, with recent population trend counts indicating stable numbers of birds throughout the Taranaki ring plain.

Photo above: Chris Mattock finding success in the thick stuff

Organising a pūkeko drive not only provides great sport, but it also offers real value to farmers, especially those on the wetter parts of the Taranaki ring plain where pūkeko numbers tend to be higher and overlap with maize seed crops and horticultural plantings.

If maize seed isn’t treated with bird repellent, pūkeko can cause significant damage, pulling up freshly planted seed. They are also frequently drawn to silage and are known to peck holes in silage wrap. A well-organised drive can help reduce these impacts.

From a culinary perspective, Pūkeko are an underrated gamebird with flavourful breast fillets that are well worth taking the time to prepare properly. We have some great resources on preparing Pūkeko after harvest, including how to breast them, and tasty ways to prepare them. Before you head out for a hunt, be sure to also check here for regional gamebird regulations.

Strong hunter/farmer relationships are key to getting access and ensuring mutual benefit. If you’re looking to get a drive organised, now is a great time to ask around. It could be the start of an ongoing arrangement that not only helps with pūkeko control but may also open doors for future gamebird hunting opportunities.

An effective drive doesn’t require a big crew, just a few mates and a couple of steady dogs working in formation can be enough to flush birds and put on a productive shoot.

Upland Hunting at Harakeke, Tauwhare & Nukumaru Recreation Reserves

If you're keen to set the sights on pheasants near Whanganui, it’s well worth considering getting access to Harakeke, Tauwhare, and Nukumaru reserves. There have been low levels of hunting pressure throughout these reserves so far this season, so they are well worth a visit.

To hunt in Harakeke (two blocks) or Tauwhare (one block), you’ll need to be selected through a weekly draw. These areas are open for upland game hunting only on Saturdays and Sundays. Here’s how it works:

1. Ensure you have your current game license and firearms license information handy, then contact Taranaki Fish & Game by either calling 021 270 0239 or emailing: taranaki@fishandgame.org.nz to claim your free hunting permit.
2. Enter the draw by getting in touch with Fish & Game before 12 noon on Wednesday each week. You can apply for one or more blocks and days. (If you're hunting with others, just one person from your group should enter).
3. You’ll be contacted on Thursday afternoon to let you know if you’ve been successful. (You must win a spot in the draw to be allowed to hunt that weekend).

Nukumaru Recreation Reserve - Permit Required, No Draw

You don’t need to enter a draw for Nukumaru, but you do need a valid permit from Fish & Game (which you can also contact us for). Once you have that:

1. Contact the grazing lease listed on your permit before you go hunting to ask for access. For Blocks 4 & 5 you must get permission directly from the leaseholder before entering these areas. This is a condition set by the Whanganui District Council.

Band Reports

Thanks to all who have sent through their band returns this season. Even though the waterfowl season has closed, it’s never too late to send through band details.

If you harvest a banded bird, we encourage you to report it via the Fish & Game website.

In return, you’ll receive a summary of the bird’s history, including the year and approximate location it was banded, its age and sex at the time and how far it travelled between the banding and recovery site (you can keep the band, we just need the information on it!)

It’s always interesting to see the story behind your bird and by reporting it, you’re helping to protect the future of waterfowl hunting in New Zealand. Plus, every valid band report is automatically entered into the draw for prizes through Fish & Game’s Banding Together initiative.