Wellington Weekly Hunting Report 17th May 2018

The Best Weekend Of The Season Ahead

Right: A very proud eight-month-old Ash with her first retrieve (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

The foul weather forecast last weekend didn't really eventuate but there's a second chance coming this Saturday and Sunday with near perfect waterfowling conditions predicted.  

This is likely to be the best weekend of the season - we've got strong to gale force winds for the entire lower North Island, with rain thrown in over Manawatu and the upper portion of the Wellington Fish & Game region.

Those who have been out regularly will agree that the ducks have seen a fair few guns and decoys over the first couple of weeks and are tending towards being cagey, with rafts of mallards reported in protected reaches of some of our larger river systems.

However, the conditions this weekend should really mix things up and push the birds around, making for some exceptional hunting. Don't miss this opportunity - get into them!

Just a reminder that our rangers will be working again this weekend so, as always, you must have your licence on you. Also, be safe with firearms and around the water, and ensure you know the regs for 2018.     

If you haven't already done so, get your licence here.

Here are the prospects for the weekend:

Wellington/Wairarapa

Friday		Mainly fine but nor-westerlies rising to gale towards evening.
Saturday		Scattered rain in the morning with gale north-westerlies in exposed places.
Sunday		Light scattered rain, north-westerlies gale then easing.

Manawatu

Friday		North-westerlies becoming strong, showers developing towards evening.
Saturday		Morning rain followed by showers; nor-wester strong at times.
Sunday		Showers with strong nor-westerlies.

Rangitikei

Friday		Showers with a fresh north-westerly developing at evening.
Saturday		Heavy rain possible in the morning turning to showers; nor-westerly.
Sunday		Showers and westerly winds.

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Three day rain forecast

For the latest rain forecast click here

Friday, May 18, 9am.	Saturday, May 19, 9am.	Sunday, May 20, 9am

Get Those Bands In

Our mallard duck banding programme is playing a part in the understanding of bird survival and mortality from a designated management areas.

A significant amount of staff and volunteer time has gone into the project so we’re once more pleading for hunters to ensure they get the band details of any birds they shoot back to us this season.

Already we have a number of bands reported - we thank those hunters who have sent us the details. 

You’re welcome to keep the ‘precious metal’, the information about the bird is what we're after. All you have to do is contact 0800 BIRD BAND (0800-247322) and give us a few details.

It’s a simple way you can play a part in ensuring positive long-term management outcomes for our number one game bird species.

You'll also receive back some really interesting info about when and where the bird was banded. 

Lock Those Guns Away

Hunters are reminder that they are required by law to lock firearms and ammunition safely away when not in use.

Several hunters this season have found out the hard way that it is unacceptable (and totally unsafe) to leave their shotguns lying around unattended, including leaving them in their vehicles. 

They have had their shotguns seized by Police and potentially now face firearms charges.

We again urge all our hunters to be safe and responsible, and that means following the letter of the law when it comes to firearms law and game bird regulations.  

Remember, at the end of the day, lock the guns away!        

Notices

• Eastern Lake Wairarapa Access: The issue around quad access to the eastern shore of Lake Wairarapa has been miscommunicated, and we apologise for any confusion caused. To clarify: DOC has only closed quad access to Boggy Pond, Matthews Lagoon and through the Wairio Wetland at this stage.
• White Swan At Wairio: Ducks Unlimited has released two white swan (which are pinioned) at the Wairio Block, Lake Wairarapa. A reminder to hunters that it is illegal to shoot these birds.       

Hunter Safety

Safe start to season 

Wellington Fish & Game is urging hunters to take utmost care this game bird hunting season. Please refresh yourself with the seven golden rules of firearms safety below: 

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED

- Check every firearm yourself.
- Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2. ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. LOAD A FIREARM ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE
- Load the magazine only after you reach your hunting area.
- Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.
- Completely unload before leaving the hunting area.

4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT
- Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.
- Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise.

5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE
- THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?
- Do not fire if you know others are in your firing zone.

6. STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SAFELY
- When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.
- Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended.

7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS
- Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.

​*This report was accurate at time of writing - please ensure you check the latest weather information before you head out.