As duck shooting season unfolds at Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), we face a harsh reality: many hunters disguise violence against bird populations as conservation.

They claim to shoot for sustenance and protection of the environment while manipulating ecosystems, leading to devastating consequences for vulnerable wildlife.

On the opening day of Duck Shooting Season, Christchurch Animal Save volunteers, who were operating entirely legally, had their drone shot down while documenting a wounded duck flapping for its life in the water.

“Our group worked tirelessly to protect these innocent creatures, successfully diverting hundreds of birds en route to shooters hiding in a maimai”, says a Christchurch Animal Save volunteer.

This proactive approach allowed many birds to escape danger, highlighting the power of direct action in the fight for justice.

Despite the hunters’ claims of legal and ethical practices, “we found four deceased ducks who had succumbed to prolonged suffering after being shot, but not fatally”, says a local resident. These included two Tētē-moroiti, Grey Teal, which are supposed to be fully protected in New Zealand.

This is a clear example of why gun-wielding ambushers are not the answer to managing introduced species, especially around Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere.

Te Waihora is a vital habitat, home to around 170 bird species, including endangered birds like the Australasian Bittern.

This area is recognised as having the single most diverse bird habitat countrywide. How can an area coined as a ‘bird sanctuary’ be turned into a firing zone for three months of the year?

The suffering inflicted on these sentient beings cannot be justified under the guise of tradition. We must confront the narrative that equates hunting with conservation and killing for fun. As it often masks the cruelty that happens far from public view.

Additionally, “The year before, we retrieved hundreds of plastic cartridges from the shores of Te Waihora and found empty alcohol cans inside maimai huts”, says another volunteer, revealing the environmental and socially unacceptable implications of this violent pastime.

Now is the time for us to unite and advocate for a ban on bird shooting at Te Waihora, leading to a total ban. Together, we can ensure this cherished habitat is preserved for future generations and that animals are respected rather than exploited. Let us foster a true sanctuary for all species, where every bird can thrive peacefully.

© Scoop Media