Hunters are being reminded to put safety first and seek permission before accessing private land this duck-shooting season, which opens tomorrow.

Federated Farmers Vice-President and health and safety spokesperson Karen Williams says while opening weekend can still be fun, safety needs to come first. 

"Enjoy yourselves for sure - opening day is a looked forward to tradition for tens of thousands of New Zealanders. But stay responsible and keep everyone safe”

"Vehicles, firearms, and water remain the key risks to duck hunters and mixed with a surge of adrenaline can be deadly."

Staying safe while still having fun is foremost this duck-shooting season. Photo: Bill Jarvie

Bill Jarvie of Southland Fish and Game says safety whilst still having a good time is foremost for what is looking like a great duck-shooting season. 

“We have got yet another year where mallard counts are as high as they ever have been. It’s been a very good breeding year which is good for numbers, and means we have a lot of young birds that are naïve of hunters.” 

"With settled conditions it's important to get some movement in your decoys. Decoys sitting on a flat pond don't look natural, so it'll be up to the hunters to do the work to bring the birds in."

Jarvie says that modern hunters are generally very well behaved.

“There is a greater emphasis on gun safety in society, and this is definitely reflected in hunters’ behaviour. We will be out over the weekend seeing how people are getting on, and we look forward to meeting and talking to some responsible hunters.” 

Duck-shooters who use the Awarua Bay area will also need to be aware of the exclusion zone around the site of the wetland fire that took hold earlier this year.

The area is still dangerous, and access is strictly prohibited.

Fire and Emergency Southland recommends checking either their website or the DOC website for updated information and access maps. 

Hunters are also being reminded to be aware of 2022 season daily bag limits.

Awarua exclusion zone. Image: FENZ

In Southland, Opening Weekend limits are 20 for mallard and grey duck, and 15 for paradise shelduck.

For the rest of the season, limits are then 10 for mallard and grey duck, and 6 for paradise shelduck. 

Access across private land is also an issue, and hunters need to remember that while many farmers and other landowners are willing to have hunters on their properties, access is a privilege, says Williams. 

"You should seek their prior permission and follow any instructions" 

For sheep farmers, sheep measles is a big concern and visiting hunters must dose dogs for worms at least 48 hours before going on to farmland.

Williams also wants hunters to remember that the Arms Act has changed. 

Although some landowners are exempt from needing a duck shooting licence, for those who are not, getting caught without a licence or using lead shot will could mean loss of a firearms licence. 

There are also new rules for transporting firearms on the road, says, Williams. 

"There is a general exemption from the transportation requirements for farmers working, actively hunting or undertaking pest control on their own farm, but you are required to meet the new requirements if shooting elsewhere for the weekend and so are the recreational hunters travelling out to shoot at your place."

When transported on the road firearms need to be inoperable, out of sight and away from any ammunition. 

"It’s fun to celebrate the day but leave the beers or whiskey until after the firearms are locked away” says Williams.

"Have safe fun with your friends and family so we can all continue to enjoy this great rural tradition."

In Southland, duck shooting season runs from 7th May to 10 July 2022.