How long is duck hunting season in new zealand

New zealand trophy hunting ltd offers its clients superb new zealand hunting safaris including deer hunting, chamois hunting, tahr hunting, pig hunting and many other game animals available in the new zealand backcountry and alpine areas. Duck shooting season dates and bag limits for mallards and paradise shelduck in each region throughout the south island and north island of new zealand. First day of duck season for a new comer to duck hunting. Leading scientists consider them a selfintroduced native rather than exotic species. Game birds due to the abundance of feed and aboveaverage rainfall on the west coast we have a waterfowlers paradise with massive flocks of paradise shelduck, pukeko nz swamp hen, and black swan. New zealand duck hunting season runs may through july and coincides with prime hunting for many big game species. Duck hunting guides provide private hunts for new zealand waterfowl, including the beautiful paradise duck, endemic to new zealand, plus new zealand grey, mallard and spoonbill ducks. Come hunt with us on our vast privately owned north island ranch in the rangitikei region. Duck hunting 2016 journeys to the south island of new zealand for open weekend in this hunting and fishing wonderland. The game bird season will open on the second saturday after new zealand moves to alert level 2, except if that date falls on 30 may. The average new zealand temperature decreases as you travel south. The huntaway also known as the new zealand huntaway is a large, stronglybuilt breed of dog used for general sheepherding tasks in new zealand, where they originate.

In 1995, at the age of 22, he was a new zealand professional hunting guide and formed new zealand mounting hunting ltd where he continued as one of the youngest professional hunting guides in new zealand. During our waterfowl season may july our hunters enjoy bag limit quantities of quality ducks, swans and pukeko. Heres what you need to know for the new duck shooting season in nz. Visitors should hire a professional guide, as new zealand s forests and mountains are physically demanding and the high country weather is unpredictable. But hunting on public land, to target the last stag of the roar, and the start of the duck hunting season will be postponed until alert level 2. Its numbers are still increasing despite being a gamebird and at least 200,000 being shot annually 2011 figures. The best opportunity to view grey duck is in forested headwater catchments and away from human settlements where mallards and hybrids occur, in northland, west coast. The breed is relatively new, dating from the late19th century, and distinguished only on working ability.

Wild fowl hunting is a cherished social tradition in new zealand with important environmental. General information gary herberts new zealand hunting. There are 6 species of huntable waterfowl in new zealand. They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep. All with expert guidance from the south pacifics standout outfitter of world record heads. Pheasants were introduced into new zealand in the 1800s by our early settlers as a game bird.

Hunting peococks in new zealand with three cesky fousky. Hunting on foot permitted during level 3, but duck shooting season. Duck hunting in southland is an absolute religion, thompson said. All hunting is over decoys on private lakes, ponds and grain fields. Wildlife act 1953 wildlife regulations 1955 new zealand game bird habitat stamp regulations 1993. Duck hunting in new zealand nzhistory, new zealand history. European settlers introduced more than 20 species of game birds to new zealand, but not all survived. You may bring your own shotgun very easily, but firearms are included in these new zealand duck hunting packages for those so inclined. During this season youll hunt mallard, grey, shoveller and paradise ducks, black swan, canadian geese and pheasant. Unfortunately by doing this the other new zealand hunting companies loose control over the way your trophies are handled and prepared for shipping. Thousands of hunters have turned out for the opening day of the 2019 duck hunting season. There are also throngs of cliffhugging tahr with sturdy, stumpy horns and long, dark capes as well as fallow deer with spotted backs and prehistoric, palmated racks plus finely appointed chamois and twistyhorned pacific island goats among other species. Accommodation is a very comfortable lodge with all amenities.

Please note changes to the season opening date under covid19. The paradise shelduck tadorna variegata is a large gooselike duck endemic to new zealand. In new zealand, there is no seasonal restriction to hunting rabbits or hares meaning generally they can be hunted throughout the year. New zealand s only native mammal is a bat, so european settlers introduced several hunting species specifically for sport. This work includes aerial counts of swans and geese, banding of paradise ducks and the management of elaborate hunter diary systems to monitor the harvest of mallard, grey and shoveler ducks. We also offer firstrate waterfowl and upland gamebird hunting. Wild fowl hunting is a cherished social tradition in new zealand with important environmental functions. The total population probably exceeded 6700,000 birds in 2011. The pure rivers, stunning scenery, and the friendly, positive attitude of the people are all bonuses to our worldclass hunting, fishing and sightseeing.

New zealand rabbits are available in five colors recognized by the american rabbit breeders association arba. Under sections 15 and 16 of the wildlife act 1953, the minister of conservation declares an open season for game in the fish and game regions from 6 may 2017 to 4 may 2018 inclusive, subject to the conditions specified in the first and second schedules of this notice. The breed originated in california, possibly from rabbits imported from new zealand. The 19992004 ornithological society of new zealand atlas scheme showing grey ducks to still be widespread is erroneous and clearly confused grey duck with hybrids and mallards. The mallard is a legal gamebird that is hunted during the annual mayjune waterfowl season. Make sure you have your licence on you when hunting, a ranger can appear at anytime. Garys life long passion for hunting began at this time. It is found in lowland swamps and lake edges throughout the country, except stewart island where it. Duck hunting the season starts on the first saturday in may and finishes the last sunday in july.

It is a shelduck, a group of large gooselike birds which are part of the bird family anatidae. To us a quality hunt is not defined by a number in a record book or by getting an animal on the ground as quickly as possible. With its long neck, the black swan is new zealand s largest wetland bird. Hunting on foot permitted during level 3, but duck shooting. There are however, instances where restrictions apply for specific reasons and periods when hunting is favoured. As unlike most countries, new zealand has no government imposed hunting seasons for big game hunting. Well, lets compare new zealand against the average new mexico private land rifle elk hunts, which offers the highest success rates in the u. As a result there is no natural order to or natural predators of most of the introduced mammals. Mallard mature rapidly and can breed in their first year. March 14 licences go on sale click here to buy one. Targets include deer including red, fallow and sika, chamois, tahr, pigs, goats and possums. A person4 may hunt or kill game of the family anatidae waterfowl during the. Thomas evans, 18, has been hunting with his family since he was 4 yrs old.

Add to that the himalayan tahr, chamois and various small game and your new zealand hunting trip with gerald and sue telford will be a highlight of your hunting career. They are mallard, paradise, grey and shoveler duck, black swan and greater canadian goose. At du we are committed to seeing these wonderful birds succeed. Jun 18, 2019 out making the most of the new zealand waterfowl season. The government has thrown a huge spanner in the works for the 2020 duck shooting season. The opening weekend of the duck shooting season is the most important day on the social calendar. Bradley duck hunting club late season mallards part ii duration. Stag hunting fallow buck hunting a bit of fun and some b grade acting.

Red stag hunting with amplehunting, new zealand s red stag hunting destination. As of next tuesday morning, hunters can hunt within their region, as long as. Contemporary duck hunters also use nontoxic shot it used to be lead, as hunter gary girvan explains in his book duck hunting in new zealand david bateman, 2007. New zealand weather new zealand climate tourism new. Hunting is an important part of controlling numbers so that our native flora and fauna are not destroyed. Duck hunting,duck shooting or duck harvesting,it is all here,so get your under and over shotgun,a packet or two size 5 shells,few beer for the end of the day celebration and we go to our maimai. The new zealand shoveler is one of the few native birds that is not protected, with about 30,000 birds needlessly shot during the duck hunting season each year. Permits and licences are needed to hunt new zealand gamebirds. Hunts are conducted on our private family ranch situated in a fertile valley in the central south island of new zealand. Maori hunted native paradise shelducks and grey ducks for meat and feathers, especially in late summer when the birds were fat from feeding. Hunting in new zealand telford fishing and hunting nz. Find key dates and checklists along with some helpful info links for you.

Hunting by the day in the taupo region and extended free range hunts on our exclusive 18,000 hectare block in southern waiarapa, with no trophy fees. The duck hunting season opens saturday 4th may and continues through until late july. The new zealand shoveler is the endemic subspecies of the australasian shoveler a. New zealands only native mammal is a bat, so european settlers introduced several hunting species specifically for sport. January and february are the warmest months, and july is the coldest month of the year. They have become established in many areas of new zealand, and selected game estates have introduced management regimes to ensure viable hunting populations. Australia duck hunting is a continuation of unchartered waterfowling adventures provided exclusively by, and like many of our other offthebeatenpath destinations, duck hunting in australia provides an immersive experience for only guests per session in a laid back, highlyinterpersonal atmosphere guidestaff comfortably feels more like falling in among long lost friends.

The duck shooting season opens in the first weekend of may and runs for 3 months. Its only two weeks until the duckshooting season starts but will. Our clients typically have their trophy shipment at their taxidermist within 23 months of their hunt. Colourful blooms, baby wildlife and waterfall season makes this an inspiring time of year to visit. Or choose to hunt the high country of new zealands majestic southern alps. Visiting new zealand is like stepping back in time. In 1864, the australian black swan was introduced to new zealand as an ornamental waterfowl however they have also naturally flown to new zealand. As soon as practicable after the notice for each season is approved by the minister of conservation, the nz council is required to publish the notice in the. As youre probably aware, new zealand s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. New zealand s south island is teeming with giant red stag boasting 500pound bodies and racks that consistently reach 340plus inches sci.

Government has given hunters the green light to hunt on private land when new zealand moves to level 3 next week, but duck shooting season has been postponed. It is one of the few native birds that is not protected, with about 30,000 birds shot during the duck hunting season each year. Season dates and bag limits california waterfowl association. The australasian shoveler is a highly mobile species with many birds probably traversing the length of new zealand annually before returning again to their breeding areas. Ducks are flying in and shotguns ready, locked and loaded to start the duck shooting opening day in the first weekend of may, the opening day. Oct 09, 2018 new zealands south island is teeming with giant red stag boasting 500pound bodies and racks that consistently reach 340plus inches sci. A delayed and shortened duck shooting season is better than none, says a hawkes bay hunter. In the absence of natural predators, these animals flourished. Delayed duck shooting season better than none, says hawkes. The limits are a mixed bag of 50 ducks, 5 swans and no limit on geese. The traditional birdhunting season in new zealand begins in may and extends to the end of july, but that is not the only option. Overseas hunters should also know that in february and march waterfowl damage to farmers green maize and pea crops have resulted in one or two seriously affected provincial regions offering special seasons to.

Duck hunting mid season 2019 new zealand the armed tramper. Open season for game in fish and game regions 2019gs743. Duck hunting is available earlymay through june north island and through july south island. Introduced and naturalised anatidae, cygnus, introduced birds, introduced waterfowl, swans, waterfowl, wetland birds. Hunting in new zealand things to see and do in new zealand. Chris jolly outdoors hunting wilderness experience. The combination of new zealand s liberal bag limits and our experienced guides will ensure you of a quality waterfowl hunt. These can be purchased from most outdoor sporting stores. Some species, notably paradise duck and canada geese, can be shot through the winter, depending on the region. Hunting has been prohibited since new zealand moved to alert level 4, but hunters will be able to. The summer encouraging healthy duck breeding in the north and south islands. Crossbreeding can result in many other variations, such as gold tipped steel.

Most gamebird seasons start in may, although season dates vary depending on the. The new zealand is a breed of rabbit, which despite the name, is american in origin. Out making the most of the new zealand waterfowl season. He checks out some guns in hunting and fishing as he gears up for the latest season of duck shooting. The whio and the pateke are struggling for their survival. First day of duck season for a new comer to duck hunting here. Maybe you can afford to hunt new zealand mossy oak. Terranature new zealand ecology new zealand shoveler. Hunt three species across new zealand s north and south island. The species available to game bird hunters are defined in the wildlife act 1953. New zealand s many beaches and lakes are perfect to cool off during the summer months.

Duck hunting in new zealand nzhistory, new zealand. The genus name tadorna comes from celtic roots and means pied waterfowl. Open season for game in fish and game regions new zealand. Waterfowl hunting also called wildfowling or waterfowl shooting in the uk is the practice of hunting ducks, geese, or other waterfowl for food and sport many types of ducks and geese share the same habitat, have overlapping or identical hunting seasons, and are hunted using the same methods. Recognized for its fine wine and fresh produce, hawke. Known to the maori as putangitangi, but now commonly referred to as the paradise duck, it is a prized game bird. Game that may be hunted or killedduration of 20192020 season. You can check on new zealand weather conditions on the met service website.

Chris jolly outdoors hunting wilderness experience new zealand. Game bird hunting is one of the great social recreational sports in new zealand, great for exercise and spending time outdoors with friends and family. Australasian shoveler duck new zealand shoveler anas rhynchotis. Strict laws govern the number of birds which are allowed to be. Thus it is possible to take different species of waterfowl in the same outing.

New zealand fish and game said it was shaping up to be a good season. The duck hunting in southland and otago was a lot better than it was in the north island where they had to pay the same price, he said. Heres what you need to know for the new game season. First day of duck season for a new comer to duck hunting here in new zealand not big numbers but enough cagey mallards for a few good meals. Special season hunting for paradise ducks and canada geese. It is found in lowland swamps and lake edges throughout the country, except stewart island where it is uncommon. Waterfowl, including paradise shelduck, mallard, grey and shoveler duck and black. Duck shooting will be a little different this season, with new gun laws restricting what hunters can use to bring down their dinner. Today, population control is achieved with safe and controlled hunting. Our big game hunting starts in february and finishes in august. In the wake of the christchurch mosque shootings, the.

For a start, here are some key dates and checklists and at the bottom are some helpful info links for you. Most duck hunters only shoot on opening day, but the dedicated hunt throughout the autumn season. The paradise shelduck is the secondmost abundant waterfowl in new zealand after mallard. Some of these birds are native to new zealand such as the paradise shelduck and the grey duck, while others were brought to new zealand for hunting. Waterfowl hunting gary herberts new zealand hunting. The male is new zealand s most handsome duck, with variegated, colourful plumage. Covid19 hunting update hunting on public conservation land is still not allowed when nz moves to covid19 alert level 3 from 11. Hunting a trophy new zealand red stag is a dream for many visitors and one of our specialty services.