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www.age.co.nz Thursday, April 23, 2020
Game bird hunting season start “up in the air”
W
ith the last ÿ ve years of the game bird hunting opening weekend having been ÿ ne and clear, hunters have often joked that the start of the season should be delayed until the rough weather that is more conducive for shooting arrives. Well, the covid-19 restrictions currently imposed on Kiwis could mean hunters’ wishes for a later start to the season come true. Traditionally starting the ÿ rst Saturday in May each year, opening day of the game bird season is one of the country’s longest running customs and has been observed unchanged for over a century.
DUCK
SHOOTING
SEASON
2020
rightly expected to play their part to stamp out this virus, duck hunting is a safe, passive and sedentary activity This year, however, a that contributes to cloud of uncertainty participants’ wellbeing hangs over when the and is an important part season will start. of putting food on the “We’re conÿ dent there table for many – in these will be a duck hunting uncertain times, these season this year attributes are pretty despite the coronavirus important. outbreak,” says “Our primary Wellington Fish & Game responsibility is to our manager Phil Teal. license holders, ensuring they get a hunting “The question mark season this year. is around when travel restrictions and “That’s why Wellington limitations on what Fish & Game will be recreational activities strongly advocating for can be undertaken are the season to go ahead, lifted.” and for duck hunting to be reconsidered a ‘safe’ Mr Teal says Wellington recreational pursuit.” Fish & Game aims to do everything in its power At time of writing to ensure hunting goes Wellington Fish & Game ahead this season, and was awaiting clariÿ cation that several di° erent on whether duck hunting scenarios are being was allowed at Alert considered. Level 3. “While
everyone
is
As a stopgap, options are
being looked at ranging from delaying the season start, having a shorter season with bigger bag limits, or pushing the season out past the current end date of June 28.
we’ll let you know what’s happening as soon as we know.
“At this stage the season start date is a little up in the air.”
Game bird hunting has such a strong heritage it is one of the only events that overshadows our national game, with senior rugby regularly cancelled in parts of the country, including the Wairarapa, so that the players, coaches and supporters can indulge their passion for duck shooting.
Meanwhile, the season has been shaping up well with good numbers of mallards around following another favourable breeding season and good broodrearing conditions meaning more chicks made it through to adulthood.
“And stay positive – we’re conÿ dent we can get the 2020 season o° the ground!”
Mr Teal says hunters have noticed more birds around and he understands their angst around the uncertain start to the season.
Throughout New Zealand, some 60,000plus hunters participate each season, including about 4500 in the lower North Island.
“Our message for hunters is this – keep in touch with us via our website or electronic newsletters,
For more information and updates on the season visit – www.ÿshandgame.org.nz
DUCK SHOOTING SEASON IS NEARLY HERE
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