Hunting News & Events

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South Island season survey shows game bird hunting remains popular

Hunters across the South Island spent more than 49,000 days in the field during the 2025 game bird season, according to Fish & Game’s latest Hunter Harvest Report.

  • 8/04/2026
  • Maggie Tait
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Newsletter March 2026

Welcome to this month's Fish & Game update, where we are getting ready for game bird season and also preparing for the upcoming General Election to ensure your community is…

  • 30/03/2026
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Game bird hunters urged to act early as Mark-up Day falls ahead of schedule

Game bird hunters around the country are being urged to purchase their 2026 licences now, with Mark-up Day falling earlier than usual this season and licences on sale from today.

  • 12/03/2026
  • Maggie Tait
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Eastern Mallard band draw winners 2026

Hunters who returned bands over the past year went into the draw for a free game bird licence (see winners below).

  • Eastern
  • 23/01/2026
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Southland Gamebird Regulation Consultation 2026

Southland Fish & Game is reviewing its game bird hunting regulations for the 2026 gamebird hunting season.

  • 13/01/2026
  • Southland
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Auckland Waikato Fish & Game Council Mallard/Grey Duck Banding Schedule 2026

This is an invitation for volunteers to help with the banding of birds.

  • Auckland/Waikato Event
  • 5/12/2025
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Successful 2025 Game Bird Season draws to a close

As game bird hunting seasons conclude across the country, early indications suggest the 2025 season has been another successful year for New Zealand's hunting community.

  • 19/08/2025
  • Maggie Tait
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Junior Driven Pheasant Shoot Competition

Nine lucky winners will get the chance to take part in a thrilling and challenging Driven Pheasant Shoot in August (Date TBC) hosted by a world class upland game preserve here…

  • Hawke's Bay
  • 9/06/2025
  • Hawkes Bay
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Cricketer keen to get out for a few ducks

Otago Fish & Game is excited to welcome Cole Briggs as a new Fish & Game officer based in Central Otago — a role that sees the former professional cricketer…

  • Otago
  • 26/05/2025
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Junior Simulated Field Clay Target Shoot Competition

Exciting Junior Clay Target Shooting Experience – Win Your Spot! We’re thrilled to announce an exclusive competition for our Hawke's Bay Junior Game Bird Licence holders!

  • Hawke's Bay
  • 15/05/2025
  • Hawkes Bay
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