Ducks soon safe

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 248, 28 June 1988, Page 2

Ducks soon safe

Ducks everywhere can soon breathe a sigh of relief - this Sunday July 3 is closing day for the 1988 duck shooting season. Pheasants and quail however, are advised to keep their heads down until August 7. This season appears to have been pretty average, according to Wildlife Officer John Heaphy. Hunters have had a 'mixed bag', with some reporting increased bags over previous seasons and others reporting a poor season. There are still large

numbers of both Mallard and Paradise Duck in the Waimarino. Those who make the effort (and chase the ducks) are still shooting reasonable numbers. Numbers of hunters out and about in June have been low, he said. Mr Heaphy urges hunters to make the effort to get out for the last weekend. "The more that participate the better the hunting, as it will force the ducks to move around." A survey on this season's game compiled by Mr Heaphy will be released in around two

months time. Mr Heaphy thanked all those hunters who co-oper-ated by posting in their survey forms. Trout fishing in the district also ends this week, Thursday June 30. An average to good season has been reported by fishermen. The Manganui a Te Ao River was fished well over the summer and a number of large trout caught in its waters. While the new season begins in just four months time on October 1, the only spots open over the winter period for trout fishing are the Rotokura Lakes, Ohakune Lakes Reserve and the Wanganui River. No new regulation changes have been made for the Waimarino area. Another 1500 trout from the Turangi hatcheries will be released in the Waimarino area later this winter. A new season 1988/89 Rotorua fishing licence is required to fish the Waimarino area, as from July 1 1988. An adult licence has increased in price to $33, however children's licences remain the same as last year. Tongariro Trout Hatchery in Turangi is again running childrens fishing days through the winter months. More information can be obtained by contacting the Turangi Department of Conservation office.