Wellington Both Barrels June 2018

Sun sets on best season in years

The waterfowl season for the Wellington Fish & Game region ended on July 1, and it was one of the best for a long time.

Right: Successful Wairarapa hunter with a fat green head (Photo Hamish Carnachan).

Frequent fronts from both the south and northwest kept the birds unsettled and on the move, looking for food and shelter. And there were certainly more mallards about.

Those shooters who were prepared to move around and get in just ahead of (and during) the rough weather got some great shooting in.

On the downside, compliance has been a problem this season, with a number of shotguns seized and legal proceedings against offenders underway.

Some hunters still think they can get away with shooting without a licence, taking too many birds or using lead near water.

Well, guess what? A number of these idiots now have a date with the judge, and they’ve lost their shotguns too.

We’ll be targeting problem areas with even greater vigour next season.

For the majority who played by the rules, we hope you had an enjoyable and productive waterfowl season.

But we now urge you to get maximum value from your licence by taking the opportunity to chase some upland game…

Time to target upland game and pooks

Fish & Game rangers on a pukeko drive, enjoying some shooting for themselves (Photo Hamish Carnachan).]

If you switch tactics, there are still weeks of game bird hunting left so no need to put your shotgun away just yet.

Have a crack at upland game birds this season? The season for upland game birds – including cock pheasant (bag limit 2) and California quail (5) – runs right through to August 26.

As well as river hunting opportunities on the Rangitikei River, where hunters will also encounter California quail, pheasant can be targeted around forest margins such as the Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve (Department of Conservation) and other managed hunting areas.

Check out the regulations here for more info.

As always, if you're planning on shooting public places like river beds, please think about safety and your firing zone.

If you have any concerns about whether you're legally entitled to hunt there, call the local Police to check it out.

If you are in a particularly visible site on public land, it also pays to check in with the local Police watchhouseor Palmerston North Police (06 351 3600).

They log the fact that you’re in the area and avoid any rushed call-outs.

We also urge hunters to do farmers and other rural dwellers a favour and target some pooks – the species can be hunted up until August 26. Get a team of hunters together and organise a drive, you’ll get some great shooting.

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