Success for duck shooters

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 486, 18 May 1993, Page 1

Success for duck shooters

Results from a survey indicate the duck shooting opening weekend was very successful for the majority of hunters. Last year hunters shot an average 6.8 dabbling ducks (mallard, grey and shoveler) plus 2.8 paradise shelduck. This was up 73 percent on the previous season. Not all the results from the hunter survey are available yet, but interim estimates are 7.7 dabbling ducks and 2.1 paradise shelduck. "It is quite likely that these results will change but they tend to support my predictions prior to

the season that there are plenty of birds around," said a game officer. Last year 84 percent of hunters shot on the opening weekend, this dropped to about 50 percent as the season progressed. Those who continued to hunt did very well particularly in the first fortnight following the opening weekend. In fact these hunters did better than over the opening weekend. "I expect this season will be no different so get out there and have a go," said Mr McDougall. Turn to page 2

Duck luck

From page 1 Quite a few hunters complained that the special paradise season was upsetting their opening weekend hunting. The special paradise season does not impact to any degree on the total number of birds; this last season saw about 250 birds harvested. This is only a small proportion of the total population. It may be however, that the majority of these birds are birds of the year that would normally be shot over the opening weekend. It is also likely that flock size is smaller after the special season and therefore not as available to the hunter. These birds are also likely to be more wary,

making them harder to hunt. On the other hand the special paradise season provides an excellent method of mitigating the damage moulting flocks cause. The season also provides additional opportunities for those hunters who wish to get out prior to the main season. "The T aranaki Fish and Game Council will definitely have to look at the pros and cons of this management option," said Mr McDougall. "We are starting to get a good collection of shotguns from unlicensed shooters, so please ensure you have a licence before you go hunting.