Game Bird Season Safety

If you are a keen hunter and about to set out this game bird season, make sure your license is up to date and that you take particular care with your firearms. 

The game bird season starts on Saturday, May 3 and Fish & Game will have rangers out in all of its 12 regions to carry out ‘friendly’ checks on hunters. Many ranger teams will be accompanied by Police officers.

Every year, hunters are hurt or killed and the aim of these checks is to prevent this. Accidents among game bird hunters are rare, but it is always worth reminding hunters to take the utmost care while hunting and handling firearms.

Fish & Game communications advisor Andrew Currie says the good thing is that most hunters behave responsibly and do the right thing.

Mr Currie says that as well as checking hunters’ success, rangers will check hunting licences and whether they’re sticking to the regulations, while Police officers will check firearms licences and other behaviour – including alcohol consumption. “Depending on the circumstances, offenders risk fines of up to $100,000 and loss of any firearms used and a review of their suitability to hold a firearms licence by Police.”

The opening of the hunting season is often a very social event for hunters who often catch up with mates they haven’t seen for some time. “We want to remind hunters to leave the drinking until the hunting is done and the firearms are safety locked away,” says Andrew.

The other reminder is that lead shot is banned in 10 and 12 gauge shotguns within 200 metres of open water.

Law changes also mean rangers will leave notices of entry to private land when they have been onto property to check hunters, Andrew says.

“Land owners and occupiers may find these notices, which should be viewed as a courteous note to advise them that rangers have visited the property.”

Game bird hunting is a well-loved sporting tradition in New Zealand. Before you set out this season, brush up on safety information, check your gear, take your license and have a great time!