The annual duck-hunting season starts tomorrow (Saturday May 7) and Federated Farmers is reminding hunters not to ‘duck’ their safety precautions. 

About 4,000 game license holders hunt in Otago and every year sales surge the day before opening.

"Enjoy yourselves - ‘Opening Day’ is a looked-forward-to tradition for tens of thousands of New Zealanders. But stay responsible and keep everyone safe," Federated Farmers vice-president and health and safety spokesperson Karen Williams said.

"Vehicles, firearms, and water remain the key risks to duck hunters - and mixed with a surge of adrenaline can be deadly."

Fish & Game rangers will patrol across the region this weekend with police support.

"We want every hunter to have a safe and successful season,” Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said.

"Always take care around firearms and water, and let’s have an accident-free weekend."

The weekend forecast is for fine weather and light wind on Saturday then a southerly change and rain developing on Sunday.

Otago mallard and paradise shelduck numbers look as good as ever for the 2022 season, Bruce said.

"This year’s annual trend counts on selected ponds, rivers and overland transects set records for both species,” he said.

"Harvest what you need on opening weekend and then enjoy hunting the rest of the three-month mallard season."

Hunters must follow the seven basic rules of firearm safety.

PHOTO: Supplied