‘Good’ duck population makes three-shot rule unlikely
It’s unlikely the three-shot rule for game bird hunters will be introduced to the Fish and Game Central South Island region because the South Island has a large mallard population.
The rule will encourage hunters in the Auckland/Waikato region to choose their shots wisely, to not shoot at ducks out of range, and decrease the chance of not recovering birds. Hunters in the Hawke’s Bay and Eastern regions are being asked for voluntary compliance this season before it becomes compulsory next year.
Central South Island Fish and Game officer Rhys Adams said there was no mention of the rule being implemented at a recent Central South Island Fish and Game Council meeting.
‘‘It’s not really on the radar down these ways ... we’ve got a good population of birds, and actually probably the best hunting in New Zealand.’’
The three-shot rule was to restrict harvest, so it could be argued it wasn’t necessary in the South Island, Adams said.
Meanwhile, hunters in South Canterbury will be preparing for the approaching hunting season. Pegging or marking up day takes place this weekend. Hunters with a 2016/17 game bird licence and an existing maimai are able to stake their claim to the maimai any time before 10am on Sunday April 10. Hunters making a first-time claim on an existing maimai have to wait until 10am on April 10. Hunters then need to be at the maimai within one hour of the opening hour of hunting, or forfeit it to any other licensed hunter for the rest of the day.
Adams said he had not heard of there being any disputes over maimais in the region. ‘‘I guess they get resolved in a gentlemanly fashion.’’
Adams was unable to say how many licences had been purchased so far this season as they were sold online or from a shop.
‘‘Often it would be too early to tell how it’s going anyway, because a lot of guys do it last minute.’’
About 2200 adult whole season licences have been sold in the Central South Island region each year for the last five years. The South Island season runs from May 7 to July 31.