Media release from Northland Fish & Game

Hunters reminded: 'weeks left to hunt some game birds'

NOTE TO EDITORS: FOR NORTHLAND REGION ONLY

Northland Fish & Game is urging hunters not to pack up their gear just yet – with a number of game birds that can be hunted until near the end of August.

The season for grey, mallard and shoveler ducks closed on June 30, but Paradise shelduck and black swan can be hunted until July 28.

Fish & Game Officer Nathan Burkepile says the Far North has a good population of black swans and paradise shelduck, “for the keen hunter who wants to put a little more meat in the freezer.”

And the upland game bird season, including pheasants and quail, continues for even longer to August 25.

“Both quail and pheasant are abundant in localised areas throughout Northland and provide the game bird shooter with challenging sport.

“Northland Fish and Game issue permits for many of the forestry blocks in Northland which provide opportunities to hunt both birds.”

Mr Burkepile adds that pukeko are also fairly abundant throughout Northland, with a bag limit of 10. “Since they are abundant in most areas, they provide young hunters with a chance to improve their shooting skills and build confidence.”

He says Northland Fish & Game would like to remind hunters to show their appreciation to the many landowners who allow access for game bird hunting.

“Landowners like to be informed of how you did while hunting their properties. A quick stop at the house at the end of a hunt will go a long way to ensuring that you have a place to shoot well into the future.

As the duck season winds down, many dedicated waterfowl hunters are winding up to plant habitat around their favourite wetlands and small ponds, he adds. “Winter is a good time of the year to start habitat plantings.”

Predator control also helps boost local waterfowl breeding success. “Northland Fish and Game encourages hunter to do their part and ‘give back’ to the sport.

ENDS

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