DUCK SHOO' ING STARTS SATURDAY

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 584, 2 May 1995, Page 8

DUCK SHOO'

ING STARTS SATURDAY

Great gamel

This Saturday 6 May is the beginning of this year's gamebird season and the anticipation and excitement is really building up and the prospects for opening weekend look very good, reports Taranaki Fish and Game Council field officer Greg Lydon. He provides the following advice for hunters: Last spring was one of the best breeding seasons in the last decade. The wet conditions provided plenty of ponded areas for ducks to feed and raise their young and from all accounts it was a very good breeding season for all species. As a result there are a lot of ducks about despite the dry summer reducing food supplies. The increased number of landowners concerned about too many ducks on their property speaks for itself ! The high numbers of ducks are widely dispersed throughout our region and the recent rainfall means all the waterways and ponds are holding water. This means more opportunity for success for hunters, so we hope that 1995

will be a "vintage season" - the best All that we need now are overcast con

on opening weekend to keep the flying low.

There have been two changes to t licence regulations. The first is th removal of brown quail due to th reduced population in our area. Th second is an extended season fc Canada geese in the Waimarino di:

trict to promote an increased harvest

this species.

Paradise shelduck will again prov;

excellent hunting opportunities anc population has increased especially £ Mount Taranaki. Licence holders are

aged to target this species. 'Parries' £ species that have adapted well to counti

respor decoy the bi paddo

shot a

up an birds t Hui have those contin the tw

Often uag uiviv unuo pwi

>ird season cxpoctGd!

unlicensed hunters were honest and bought a licence, then the licence would be much cheaper for everyone. All the licence money is put back into managing birds and ihabitat to improve hunting opportunities and enjoyment so it is a good investment. Taranaki' Fish and Game Council honorary rangers will be out in force throughout the region acting on

e following the automatic shotn holding more

gazine must be anly one shell - ld itmust notbe there are prob-

e concerned at 1 please let us

t tish and game

management

and you are help-

ihance recrea-

ird hunting and interests repre-

ur gamebird liir it features the r from every li-

cence sold goes into a fund for restoring wetland and upland game habitat for gamebirds. Over the years the reduction in ponds, swamps and wetlands where gamebirds live and breed has been drastic. The stamp programme will provide funds to restore these areas. There are a variety of 1 994 and 1 995 stamp and print products available at the Fish and Game office on Taupo Quay for waterfowl enthusiasts and stamp collectors, including first day covers, mint stamps, booklets and prints of the. artwork. Here is a great opportunity to own a valuable collectors' item and put something extra back into the sport. Wetland brochure Good quality wetlands are the key not only to abundant waterfowl for hunting but also provide hunting areas, beautify the landscape and provide habitat for many non-game wildlife species. Fish and Game Couiicils have produced an excellent brochure on how you can build your own pond or enhance an existing wetland or hunting area. It contains a planting guide with the do's and don'ts of wetland creation. If you have some land or a farming friend, ask them about putting in a pond or improving existing ponds or wetlands. We are happy to discuss your proposal with you and inspect your site and can assist with large projects. Firearm safety In addition to the safety rules set by the New Zealand Police and Mountain Safety Council here are a few reminders On how to have a safe gamebird season. Recent hunting accidents, are vivid reminders of what

can happen if the seven safety rules are not followed. It only takes a split second for disaster to occur. The shotgun is a lethal weapon at close range and must be treated with the utmost respect at all times. Pellets will carry in excess of 200 metres when fired. Re-read your arms code. 1. Never hunt with drinking shooters. The outdated view of duck shooters on opening weekend was one of swilling whisky. This is highly dangerous and totally irresponsible. Be sensible and set a proper example to other shooters. 2. Never leave a loaded gun lying around where a dog could dislodge it or stand on it - a safety catch can be knocked off. If your gun is not in your hands, break it open. 3. Be very careful finishing off a crippled bird that has landed on the water. Pellets ricochet off water so be sure that a hunter on the other side of the pond isn't going to get peppered or an incoming gun dog shot. 4. If shooting straight up in the air, keep your eyes down after the shot to prevent getting a pellet in your eye. 5. Never have a loaded shotgun in your hands when transferring from boat to a maimai or bank. Break the gun rather than just having the safety catch on. 6. Keep your ammunition dry, Be very hesitant about using cartridges from pockets that have filled with rain water or cartridge belts exposed to heavy rain. A damp load could cause a wad to become stuck in the barrel. Keep a breakdown, three-piece cleaning rod in your day pack.

hour than they did on opening m On the licencc front, the populai "young adult licence' is available* for hunters over 16 but under 20 c day. All full season licences are na enable the holder to hunt anywh£ Zealand but be aware that bag regulations vary from region to you are going to another Fish i region feel free to call in and get th regulations from our office on Ta Have a very safe, enjoyable open end and good hunting. Rangers active Make sure you have your 1995 season licence and carry it with hunting as it's not worth risking pi and the confiscation of your firea compared to other sports, for e day's skiing, the licence is very n Last year a number of hunters w hended for shooting without a li cence holders have to subsidise

d. price igain ;ning 1 and New ; and >n. If Jame ion's ?uay. 'eekebird vhen ution Vhen )le a able. ppre- :. Lin. If