WILD DUCKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 19, 13 April 1927, Page 5

WILD DUCKS

SPORT DECREASING PROVISION FOR BREEDING The falling-off in the numbers of wild ducks caused the Auckland Acclimatisation Society some concern last evening. The annual meeting decided to recommend the council to make arrangements for the importing and breeding of the English wild duck or mallard. Members ascribed the decrease in numbers of the native game to netting by Maoris, heavy shooting and attacks by stoats and weasels. “The teal have been an easy mark for the cats and weasels in the swamps,” said Mr. H. Johnstone. Captain R. White: During the last 15 years and particularly in the last five years wild duck shooting in New Zealand has been on the decrease. The reasons for the falling off in the number of bags are, (1) the reclaiming of swamps and the increase of houses in the country, and (2) the increase in the number of shooters. Thousands are shooting where hundreds shot a few years ago. There are two ways in which the position may be helped: (1) By a close season; (2) by a shorter open season. Friends with whom I have been shooting since 1908 said to me: “What about closing the ducks up this year?” “We have had three disastrous floods this year and it seems that we will have to adopt the English breeding scheme. Ducks are bred on ponds there and liberated for shooting. The sport will get worse and worse here and you know that if duck-shooting ceases the pheasant licences will not be enough to pay for the printing. The best duck is the English mallard, which is a high-flier and is not easily lured to decoys.” Captain White moved that the society should make arrangements for the breeding of mallard, which should be liberated at the age of six weeks. Mr. G. G. Kelly seconded the motion. The president, Mr. C. A. Whitney, said that a duck which would stay in the estuaries and inland seas was wanted badly. The mallard could be imported and given to the best breeders to raise for the society. The motion was carried.