PUKEKO SHOOTING ILLEGAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 7 August 1929, Page 4

PUKEKO SHOOTING ILLEGAL

(To the Editor) t L ■■«

Sir.—Although pukekos are on.the list of birds which can be shot if the Minister of Internal Affairs sanctions an opan season, as was allowed last year, this year no such permission has "been granted. Therefore, anyone shooting or molesting pukekos in any way, lays himself open to a very heavy* fine* and the authorities have been advised that illegal shooting has' occurred. In case anybody is not aware of the position I am sending the above information, and may I add that it is extremely unwise to shoot any native bird without first ascertaining whether it is protected or not. Practically all our birds are absolutely protected, even such birds as seagulls, "and heavy fines have of late been imposed both in the North and South Island upon those who shot absolutely protected birds, or others out of season. To plead ignorance of the regulations is of no use. The list of all our native, and introduced birds which are protected in any shape or form can be seen in every post office and even in the schools.—l am, etc., PERRINE MONCRIEFF, R.A.O.TJ. Vice-President, The Bird Protection Society. Nelson, 6lh August.