2026 Paradise Shelduck Special Season

The early season gives game bird hunters a chance to sharpen their skills before the opening of the regular season on May 2, 2026.

Hunters can use their 2025 game bird whole season licence or can buy a daily licence from the Fish & Game website.

Hunting in the special season for paradise shelduck takes place over decoys in paddocks.

Hunting is not permitted within 200 metres of open water during the nine-day season, which covers all areas in the Otago Fish & Game Region. The daily bag limit is five. All other game bird species are protected at this time.

We are currently reviewing the paradise shelduck bag limit. However, any proposed changes require the Minister's approval and would not take effect for the special season until 2027.

The special season for paradise shelduck is open to licensed hunters of all ages.

Otago Fish & Game Region has had this short season since 2002. The original aim was to encourage junior hunters to hone their skills before the regular season, as paradise shelducks can be easier to hunt than other game birds.

Late summer weather means less gear is required than the regular hunting season and can make for an enjoyable family day out.

The nine-day season also helps to disperse large flocks of post-moult paradise shelducks from pastures and crops.

If farmers have issues with game waterfowl affecting crops and paddocks, please contact your local Fish & Game office (03) 477 9076 or email otago@fishandgame.org.nz about a Permit to Disturb.

Paradise shelduck are a sustainable source of wild kai, and when prepared and cooked properly provide a tasty and healthy source of protein.

Shooting game birds on private land requires permission, but this often can be obtained as simply as a knock on the door and a polite request.

Otago Fish & Game has been annually conducting moult-site counts of this native species since 1990, showing the long-term population trend has been stable. The paradise shelducks are counted by staff in fixed-wing aircraft around the region each January.

Paradise shelduck gather in large mobs on lakes, rivers and reservoirs to moult in late summer. Traditionally they have tended to congregate at the same sites, but in recent years their moult sites have changed with an increase in irrigation dams and dairy conversions.

Select here to read the 2025 Paradise Shelduck Moult Count report.