Eastern Region Fish and Game is saying hunters will need to be smart this game bird season in the face of dry conditions, meaning finding ‘big water' spots may pay off.

With the season starting Saturday, May 3, Fish and Game senior officer Matthew McDougallsays hunters who'll succeed in the face of another challenging season are the ones 'who're smart and adaptable”.

Photo: file.

The Eastern Region takes in areas including the East Coast, Tauranga, Taupo, the Rangitaiki Plains, and Rotorua Lakes district. Matthew says parts of the Eastern region have experienced drought conditions similar to this time last year.

'At time of writing, there's been some rain but not enough to make a significant impact.

'But it's worth remembering that as soon as ponds, which have been dry, start to fill from rain, ducks pile in for an easy feed on the grasses and willow weed that sprout quickly.”

Hunters should be prepared with a ‘plan B' if their favourite spots are lacking water at the season's opening. For example, checking out ‘big water' spots such as lakes and large rivers could be a solution.

'Go and find the big water areas where the birds are congregating – and do this now before the season opens.”

Matthew says being adaptable may also mean heading into farm paddocks to target paradise shelduck, going on a pheasant or pukeko shoot, or targeting black swan on big water areas, such as Tauranga Harbour.

Trend count results suggest black swan and Canada geese populations are as high as they've been for many years in the Bay of Plenty, particularly on Tauranga Harbour and Lake Rotorua.

'We encouraging hunters to do their homework – read up on how to hunt ‘big waters'.”

The latest issue of Fish and Game's hunting magazine contains advice on this topic.

Matthew says heading out duck hunting is about much more than getting big bags – for many there's plenty of enjoyment in the challenge of 'having fun with family members or some mates and taking part in a Kiwi tradition”.

One annual message to hunters is hunting and alcohol do not mix. 'Clean your birds and then have a drink – it's far safer and more enjoyable approach to the game bird season.”

And hunters have more incentive this season to send in band details from the birds they harvest, with Hunting and Fishing New Zealand offering the chance to win a camo hunting jacket. Details on Fish and Game website's hunting page: http://hunting.fishandgame.org.nz

Matthew says rangers will be out in force during opening weekend, and hunters can expect to have their licences checked.

'And like last year, if they're found with lead shot – now banned within 200 metres of open water – it will be seized and prosecution will follow”.

Basic rules for safe firearm handling:

Check every firearm yourself and pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. When ready to fire

Load the magazine only after you reach your shooting area. Load the chamber only when ready to shoot. Completely unload before leaving the shooting area.

Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you. Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise

Think: What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond? Do not fire when you know others are in your firing zone

When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately. And never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended. Good judgement is the key to safe use.

More information about firearms and outdoor safety is on the NZ Mountain Safety Council website: www.mountainsafety.org.nz