Central Otago duck shooters are getting cosy in their mai mai’s today as duck season has officially opened after an historic delay. 

The COVID-19 pandemic level four lock down forced deer hunters and anglers to stay at home from March 25.

It is the first delay in duck hunting season since World War II. 

The Otago duck hunting season has been delayed about three weeks. But for COVID-19, it would have opened on the first weekend of May.

Otago Fish and Game communications officer Nigel Pacey said a combined sigh of relief could be heard through duck hunting communities when hunters learned they could travel to their favourite hunting grounds.

South island regions are anticipating their best season for some time. 

Nigel said nearly 4,000 Otago duck hunters are brimming with excitement as opening day approaches.

Travel by air, road and boat is now possible. Staying overnight is also okay as long as hunters “Play it Safe”.

“Playing it Safe” means hunters must still maintain social distancing from people they don’t know, but they can share a mai mai with family and friends, Nigel said.

Hunters must also keep a record and contact details of everyone they hunt with.

“With the delay to the season, birds were likely to be “well-fed and in great condition,” Nigel said.

There hasn’t been a delay in the start of duck hunting season since World War II. 

“All eyes are now on the weather which is forecast for a fine day with light winds – great for ducks but not so for duck hunters who much prefer a bit of wind to keep birds in circulation.”

Licence sales were reportedly strong but still a little behind previous years – probably due to the delayed start.

“Most preparation should already be done but there are some last-minute things hunters could be doing; checking ammo, cleaning guns, making bacon and egg pie and as always some friendly pre-season banter about the shooting abilities of your hunting buddies,” Nigel said.

“Ranging teams will be out doing the normal compliance checks across the region.  Google Earth allows us to see every pond and mai mai in the region and to safely plan our ranging activities accordingly.

“We have five teams of rangers out and about on the weekend and staff will be doing checks throughout the rest of the season.”

“There hasn’t been a delay in “first Saturday in May” opening day since the war years. 

“In 1943 a lack of ammunition was cited as the reason the season was cancelled. We’d like to record that with plenty of positive images.”

One local hunter, who did not want to be named, said he was excited to get back out, do what he loves and spend time with his fellow hunters. 

“Really looking forward to the weekend but dreading sitting in a lay out or blind or mai mai in icey cold conditions,” he said. 

“Been a what feels like a long wait but it was much needed and just grateful we still get the chance to do the sport we love and get to catch up with some blokes we don’t see year to year.”

Trampers and outdoor enthusiasts who aren’t hunting are reminded to use common sense, to be visible, to wear bright clothing or stay clear of known hunting areas.