Farmers urged to plan ahead to prevent game bird crop damage

Media release from Northland Fish & Game

Farmers urged to plan ahead to prevent game bird crop damage

With the start of summer, farmers are starting to see large groups of paradise shelducks moving into their newly-planted crops or onto their irrigation lakes.

Fish & Game Northland says if farmers plan ahead, they can reduce the damage done by these flocks of ‘parries.’

“We encourage farmers to place bird-scaring equipment out before their grasses or crops emerge,” Fish & Game officer Nathan Burkepile says.

“And farmers with paradise shelduck problems on irrigation lakes should start scaring the birds off these lakes before the birds start moulting in January.”

Mr Burkepile says that bird scaring cannons can be hired through the Northland Fish & Game office for $50.00 (plus GST) per week for each gun. He says officers are available to deliver and set up the bird-scaring cannons. A full LPG gas cylinder is included with each gun and the cost is covered by the hire fee.

But he adds that farmers with chronic problems are encouraged to buy their own equipment which will save them time and money in the long run. The cannons can be bought for around $600 and are an effective method of protecting crops.

Mr Burkepile says that anyone concerns or questions about problem game birds, is invited to contact Northland Fish & Game for advice on 09-438 4135, Email: northland@fishandgame.org.nz

ENDS

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