Both Barrels May 2024 - Wellington

Mixed Start to the Season – Hunters Waiting on Weather

The season has got off to a mixed start with some hunters doing very well and others still having to work hard for ducks.

This is symptomatic of the weather and the patchy distribution of the birds this season, and we’re still waiting for decent rain and wind to stir things up and get ducks moving.

At time of writing, a weather system looks set to drop some much-needed rain on the lower North Island.

Combined with strong southerly winds this should hopefully fire the hunting up.

Out and about last week, staff noticed large congregations of mallards in refuges such as backwaters and ponds that haven't been shot this season.

Hunters should be scouting around for these areas and door-knocking for access. 

Then it's a matter of determining when the birds are arriving, whether it's a morning or an evening pond so they can set up at the right time.  

Mallards and parries are still honing in on late harvested maize paddocks, so scouting for these areas and securing access will also lead to some productive hunting if you figure out the flights. 

Pictured above: Ash early morning on Opening Weekend with a few fat mallards and a parrie. Credit: Hamish Carnachan. 

 

Hunting & Fishing Photo Competition - Win $300 To Spend in Store

Aaron Bevege breasting ducks after a successful hunt with the new pup in close attendance. Credit:Sarah Dudin.

Send in your favourite photos from this game bird hunting season and you could be in to win a $300 voucher to spend in store at Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing.

We won't blow your secret spot, just include the name of the hunter(s), photographer's details, and general location in the Wellington-Taranaki Fish & Game region.

Click here to submit your entry.    

You can send us as many hunting photos as you like.

By submitting images to enter the competition you acknowledge that Wellington-Taranaki Fish & Game, and Wairarapa Hunting and Fishing, can publish and use the photos for publicity material.

Entries must be in by 8:30pm, August 25, 2024. The winner will be notified via email.

 

Take a Mate Hunting

Now is an ideal time to introduce someone new to hunting.

Now that Opening Weekend is behind us, it's a great opportunity to introduce someone new to the pursuit of game bird hunting.

Taking a mate or family member on a low-key evening hunt, for just a few hours, is ample to whet their appetite and give them a taste of the whole duck hunting experience is all about.

Even if no birds eventuate, they'll likely appreciate the downtime in a beautiful outdoor environment and get a feel for what draws us back year after year.

If it comes off and ducks start decoying in, all the better as it's hard to escape that sort of excitement.

With some sectors of society increasingly trying to call into question our pursuit, there's never been a time when we need numbers for strength.

If every game bird hunter introduced someone new to the pursuit each season, our voice becomes more powerful, and who knows, you might just make a new hunting buddy for life...

Do your bit - introduce someone new this season.