COVID-19: Duck shooting delayed

“We are pleased to announce we will have a game bird season under Alert Level 2, with the season also running longer in some regions,” says Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Martin Taylor.

“The game bird season will open on the second Saturday following the introduction of Alert Level 2, except if that date falls on May 30.”

However, duck shooting will not open at Queen’s Birthday weekend to avoid Moving Day on the June 1.

“Based on current Government projections, we are likely to see an opening day either in mid-May or early June,” Taylor says. 

If Level 2 is introduced between May 11 & 15, then opening day will happen on May 23. However, if Level 2 is not introduced until between May 16 & 29, then opening day will be June 6.

Taylor says Fish & Game had been working with the Government to ensure the best possible options for the 2020 game bird season. 

“It has been a complex task to ensure the fight against COVID-19 continues, while still providing the best experience for game bird hunters. It is great we can confirm a season will take place," Taylor says.

All hunters will have to comply with the restrictions of Alert Level 2, while hunting and travelling to their hunting spots. 

“This includes hunting with your bubble if possible; keeping it local, no non-regional hunting; keep your social distancing if hunting outside your bubble; no overnight trips; travel in your own vehicles; and limit your exposure to people outside your bubble.”

Taylor adds that all hunters will start hunting on the same day and it will be illegal for any game bird hunting to take place before this as it is a legal change to the season dates. 

“This applies to people hunting on private land, their own land and in publicly accessible areas.”