Get Your Must Haves
- A game bird hunting licence
- Regulations booklet (that applies to your region)
- ‘Non-toxic’ ammunition
Get Permission
- Confirm access with landowners (say ‘thank you!)
- Get permits to hunt on Fish & Game, DOC and forestry lands
Sort Out The Maimai
- Claim your hunting spot with the tag that comes with your licence
- Fix any leaks, rotten boards, seating
- Finish camouflaging maimai with camo net or vegetation Find tips on building a maimai or camouflaging here
- Make sure vegetation isn’t blocking your firing zone or where the ducks will land
- Make sure your access path is cleared and safe to use
Check Your Gear
- Clean & rig decoys – get a few new ones if needed
- Ensure your shotgun is in tip-top condition
- Make sure your shotgun magazine complies with the rules
- Check and double-check that you don’t have any lead shot ammunition in your duck hunting bag
- Make sure your boots and waders are still waterproof
- If you are using a kayak or rowboat, ensure it’s shipshape
- If you are hunting on open water, check your lifejackets
- Continue your dog’s fitness regime, check vaccinations & worming
Be Safe!
- Follow the advice of the Mountain Safety Council, experts in the safe handling of firearms. Click here.
Practice
- Practice your shooting – organise a clay bird session with your mates before the season starts
- Pattern your shotgun – get to know the ammunition and chokes you are using
- Practice your calling – make sure you know what you are doing with your duck call. For tips from NZ duck calling champ Hunter Morrow, click here
- Practice with your dog – reinforce the basic commands and have a refresher on retrieving. Remember to keep your dog on a leash when moving through farm stock, or meeting up with other people and their dogs.
Hunting away from home? Check the regulations for the region you’re going to:
Click here
Do’s
- Carry hunting and firearms licence at all times
- Be safe with firearms and on the water - know the seven rules for safe firearm handling - click here
- Be an ambassador for hunters - hunt ethically & responsibly
- Clean your game bird harvest quickly to ensure the best quality meat for your table
- Bury waste after cleaning your birds
- Follow the rules
Don'ts
- Don't drink & hunt
- Don't leave rubbish at your stand
- Don't be unethical – respect your quarry and the hunting regulations