Excitement is peaking for local hunters as opening weekend for duck shooting is here. 

Game bird licences and outdoor gear have been in demand in Central prior to the opening of the duck hunting season at dawn this morning (Saturday May 6).

Otago Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said licence sales were up 10 per cent compared with last year.

“Every year around 4,000 game bird hunters grab a licence in Otago to head out to harvest healthy, free-range food for their families,” he said. 

“This is a huge week for licence agencies and… retailers as duck hunters rush for any last-minute supplies.”

An innovation growing in popularity has been layout blinds which allow hunters to conceal themselves, for instance on paddocks, riverbeds, and lake edges.

“Most hunters traditionally hunt from maimais. But hunters are adapting their methods, because an increasing number of irrigation dams and changing farming practices over the years has provided waterfowl with more options for dabbling and loafing.”

Under the Wildlife Act, anyone wishing to hunt game birds requires a licence. The easiest way to get one is to jump online at the Fish & Game website or visit an agency.

Duck hunters should expect Fish & Game rangers to turn up anywhere checking licences, species, bag limits, and ammunition. 

An exception is landowners or farm managers who may hunt game birds on their land without needing a licence. The licence exemption applies to the landowner or manager who lives on the property, but not both, and one son or daughter.

Te Tari Pūreke - the Firearms Safety Authority and NZ Mountain Safety Council is urging hunters to keep safety in mind.

The seven safety rules of firearms usage have been updated, they can be found here. 

PHOTO: Jayde Couper/Otago Fish & Game