Game bird hunters across Otago are gearing up for what looks to be an encouraging start to the 2025 season, which opens on Saturday (May 3).

Despite a change in monitoring approach this year, Otago Fish & Game officers are optimistic about duck numbers throughout the region following favourable breeding conditions.

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"We’re committed to preserving our outdoor traditions and protecting the habitats that sustain game bird species,” Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said.

"After analysing years of data between annual aerial counts of mallards and harvest surveys in Otago, we've found the numbers don't correlate.

"A large mallard count doesn't necessarily mean a big harvest, and vice versa."

In response to these findings and recognising the importance of being responsible with how Otago Fish & Game manages its resources, the organisation has suspended preseason aerial flights this year.

"Instead, we're working at a national level to review best practices for game bird monitoring," Bruce said.

"We will keep licence holders informed of next steps and continue our long-term harvest surveys this season. Don't be surprised if you get a phone call from us, asking about your individual hunting success."

Anecdotal reports from across the region suggest promising populations in multiple areas.

In the Maniototo, good numbers of ducks are being seen on the upper Taieri River, which is beginning to recover after several dry months. 

Around the broader Taieri area, hunters and farmers are commenting on healthy duck populations along the river system and in certain paddocks.

The Milton area is seeing large mobs of mallards moving on and off paddocks, while South Otago observers have noted substantial numbers on ponds near Balclutha and on the lower Clutha River (Mata-Au).

Recent footage captured a significant mob of ducks in the Clinton area, with good numbers also observed on Lake Tuakitoto.

West Otago is reporting large numbers of ducks on ponds and harvested grain paddocks around Tapanui. 

The Fish & Game managed wetland at Takitakitoa is holding more water than at this time in the previous two years – a positive sign for hunters in that area.

Hunters on large water bodies such as lakes Waihola and Waipori will be hoping for windy conditions to move birds around.

“As with every season, Opening Weekend success will depend significantly on weather conditions,” Bruce said.

Hunters should expect moderate breezes and cloudy skies with late showers around coastal and southern parts of Otago, according to the latest forecasts. Light to gentle breezes are expected inland.

Fish & Game has contacted owners of corporate and government sites in the Milton area, requesting assistance with disturbing ducks off private, unshot ponds on opening day to help hunters in the area.

Five ranger teams will be checking compliance at both private and public hunting locations across Otago on opening weekend.

Hunters are reminded to make firearms safe, present game bird licences when requested, and follow rangers' instructions.

Duck hunters planning to hunt in other Fish & Game regions are also being reminded to check local regulations.

“Each region has its own set of regulations working in conjunction with the national regulations, these include bag limits and season lengths.”

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