Both Barrels June 2020

Compliance wrap up

Our compliance efforts on Opening Day this year concentrated on public land hunting around the Waimea/Motueka area.

Mostly this was estuarine areas, though the team did venture up into the Motueka Valley and located a few hunters up there.

The weather was in typical Tasman style placing the odds in favour of the ducks and as a result, bags were fairly light for most hunters.

Right:Rangers were out in the Waimea area on Opening Day.

It was great to see some many hunters out considering the delay to the season and the very challenging hunting the Waimea has a reputation for.

All hunters spoken to were in good spirits and accepting of the delayed start to the season.

Pleasingly, nil offences were detected for the 30 or so hunters we caught up with, which is always great to see and fairly typical for public land compliance in this area.

Duck Banding

This banded mallard was recently harvested in the lower Waimea area.

A number of mallards have been banded in the Waimea area as a hunter interest project to provide information on the habits of mallards from this area.

Fish & Game have been made aware of at least one bird harvested on Opening Day which was sporting a band, which the young hunter was absolutely delighted with.

If you harvest any of these birds, please get in touch with us.

Pukeko hunt back on!

We are pleased to inform you that we will be holding the highly popular Wakapuaka pukeko hunt on Sunday 12 July.

This hunt ticks many boxes in that it’s a great way to introduce a young hunter or friend to game bird hunting, while attempting to address damage these birds cause to the farming operation.

No registration required, simply turn up at the oxidation ponds at 10am.

Game Food night

Legendary chef and game bird hunter, Phil Hazeldine is keen to go another round, and we are excited to announce the 3^rd game bird food extravaganza.

The date is set, and that is August 2^nd, 6pm, at Club Waimea.

Here is your chance to have your eyes well and truly opened up to the culinary possibilities of the gamebirds you love to harvest and, if the past two years are anything to go by, you’ll taste some phenomenal dishes.

Meet earlier to enjoy a drink with fellow hunters and chew the fat over the season that was.

Registrations are essential, but be in quick – spaces are filling up fast.

To get your name on the list email Jacob Lucas.

Hot Barrels

Jacob Lucas, Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game Officer.