“SAFETY FIRST.”

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1929, Page 5

“SAFETY FIRST.”

HOW HO WILD DUCKS KNOW?

“ I often wonder how the wild ducks know they are safe from the guns of you sportsmen on Lake Waiatarua,” remarked an old resident to a man who was carrying a shot gun. “Oh.” was the reply, “ducks are very knowledgable birds, 1 can assure you. After I have been away for a few days at the opening of the shooting season, when I return home there are more ducks on Lake Waiatarua than was the case when I left. Tam told it is the same at all the bird sanctuaries. A few days alter the opening of the shooting sesaon the ducks come streaming to, the waters for safety. It is just the same with the seagull. Those birds seem to know they arc protected, and that is tlie reason that they will hardly take the trouble to fly away from the steps at the wharf when anyone is going down them.”

“ All the same, l often hear the guns popping near Lake Waiatarua,” said the old. resident. ..

“ People go there to shoot the rabbits, I suppose,” answered the sports man. “ I can assure you the ducks are safe enough, for if I even walk to the edge df the lake the birds are well out of range on the other side before 1 get there. Of course, anyone going to a sanctuary, even to shoot rabbits, runs tlie risk of being prosecuted, as you are not supposed to even carry a gun in a proclaimed area.”