Both Barrels

Keep up-to-date with all the game bird hunting action, news, events and comment from across New Zealand by signing up to 'Both Barrels'- the official game bird hunting newsletter from Fish & Game New Zealand.

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Both Barrels - March 2026

Welcome back to the hunt - 2026 season begins Across the country, wetlands are full, bird numbers are tracking well and the early signs are pointing to a strong start.

  • F&G NZ
  • 24/03/2026
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BBcsi16 'A very successful late season hunt, from left to right, Evie, Lucas, Finn and Teal' credit Hamish Stevens
Both Barrels July 2025 - Central South Island

Season wrap up The traditional game bird hunting season is ending shortly in the Central South Island Region.

  • Central South Island
  • 23/07/2025
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Both Barrels July 2025 - North Canterbury

This week being the last week of the gamebird season for a lot the species you can hunt (27th July is the last day), there are still some great opportunities…

  • North Canterbury
  • 22/07/2025
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Both Barrels July - Southland

That’s a Wrap: The End of the Waterfowl Hunting Season in Southland The waterfowl hunting season has now wrapped up in Southland.

  • Southland
  • 21/07/2025
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Both Barrels July - Eastern

The dabbling duck and paradise shelduck seasons have now finished in the Eastern region. Pukeko can still be hunted throughout the region and black swan in area management A1.

  • Eastern
  • 21/07/2025
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Both Barrels July - Auckland Waikato

Improving your farm pond/hunting ponds The time is now to get planting around your pond for next season, so that plants have the time to get established root systems before summer…

  • Auckland/Waikato
  • 21/07/2025
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HB Pheasant photo John Lumsden
Both Barrels July - Hawke's Bay

Duck hunting season is over for another year in Hawkes Bay but there is still plenty of upland game and pukeko hunting opportunities to be had until the close of…

  • Hawke's Bay
  • 21/07/2025
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Chris Mattock finding success in the thick stuff
Both Barrels July - Taranaki

Sights on Pūkeko With the main waterfowl season now closed, attention shifts to the upland game species that remain in season until 31 August, including pūkeko, quail, and cock pheasant.

  • Taranaki
  • 21/07/2025
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Both Barrels July - Otago

Final mallard missions The three-month season for mallard hunting in Otago ends on Sunday, July 27.

  • Otago
  • 21/07/2025
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Both Barrels July 2025 - Northland

Upland Game Opportunities The upland game season ends on 24 August. There are around 20 pine blocks that Northland Fish and Game has negotiated access for upland game hunters.

  • Northland
  • 21/07/2025
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