Media release from Otago Fish & Game

Bonus day for Junior Hunters

Keen junior hunters in the Otago Fish & Game Region are reminded to get out and make this most of the summer paradise shelduck season available this Saturday 1 March.

“The one day special season is intended to provide junior hunters and their gun dogs the opportunity to get some extra practice in before the opening weekend of the 2014/15 season” says Fish & Game Officer Helen Keeling.

Adult hunters are not permitted to hunt during the summer season but are encouraged to take up the opportunity to mentor junior hunters.

“The excitement of opening day can often mean you are distracted by your own hunting so the summer season is a great chance to focus on our young hunters” Adds Ms Keeling.

Pleasant late summer weather means less gear is required than the regular hunting season and should make for an enjoyable family day out.

The summer season is also an opportunity for junior hunters to assist farmers by dispersing the large flocks of paradise shelducks which congregate post moult and can damage farm pasture and crops.

The one day season covers all areas in the Otago Fish & Game Region but is restricted to locations 200 meters or more from open water. The daily bag limit has been set at five.

All junior hunters up to the age of 18 years old require a current 2013/2014 Game Bird Licence which can be purchased online via the Fish & Game website.

Fish & Game reminds hunters that shooting game birds on private land requires permission, but this can be as simple as a knock on the door.

ENDS

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