Good gamebird opening weekend predicted

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 684, 29 April 1997, Page 8

Good gamebird opening weekend predicted

contributed by the Taranaki Fish and Game council

This Saturday, 3 May,

is the opening weekend of this year's gamebird season and the anticipation is beginning to build as the

prospects look good. Last spring was one of the best breeding seasons in the last decade and the third wet spring in a row. 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. We have received numerous calls from farmers to disperse ducks off grain and fodder crops and the numbers of ducks out there appear to be comparatively high. All that we need now are overcast conditions on opening weekend to keep the ducks flying low. Paradise Shelduck will again provide excellent hunting opportunities because they respond well to silhouettedecoys. The idea is to put the birds off a favoured paddock without

firing a shot and then set the decoys up and wait for the birds to fly back in. Hunter surveys have shown that those hunters who continue throughout the two-month season often bag more birds per hour than they did on opening weekend. On the licence front, the popular half-price young adult licence is available ojice again for hunters over 1 6, but under 20 years of age on. opening day. All full season licences are national and enable the holder to hunt anywhere in New Zealand. But ' ~ aware that bag limits and regulations vary from region to region so read the guidebook that is issued with the new credit cardsized licence. Have a very safe, enjoyable opening weekend and good hunting. Rangers will be

active Make sure you have your 1997 Gamebird season licence and carry it with you when hunting as it' s not worth risking prosecution and the confiscation of your firearm. The new licence is waterproof and can fit easily in a wallet or pocket so there' s no excuse for not carrying it. When compared to other sports, forexampleaday's skiing, the licence price is very reasonable. Last year a number of hunters were apprehended for shooting without a licence. Licence holders

have to subsidise them. All the licence money is put back into managing birds and habitat to improve hunting opportunities and enjoyment so it is a good investment. Taranaki Fish and Game Council Rangers will be out in force throughout the region acting on your behalf to make sure that people are following the regulations that govern our sport. Remember, pump aetion and semi-automatic shotguns must be pinned to prevent them holding more than two shells. This

means the magazine must be pinned so it is capable of holding only one shell - with the other held in the breech, and it must not be able to be altered in the field. If there are problems in your area or you are concerned at unsporting behaviour then please let us know. Firearm safety when duck shooting In addition to the safety rules set by the New Zealand Police and Mountain Safety Council here are a few reminders on how to Turn to Page 9