The
natural habitat for New Zealand's upland game birds and waterfowl
is spectacular. In addition to duck species popularly hunted
in the United States are indigenous species that top avid bird
hunters' lists, plus unique wingshooting opportunities that
probably should.
Endemic duck species prized by collectors include Paradise
Shelducks (Tadorna variegate), Pacific Black Ducks
(Anas superciliosa), Australian Shovelers (Anas
rhynchotis). Mallards and Canada Geese thrive, as
do Black Swans (Cygnus atratus), and comprise the bulk of
the New Zealand waterfowl hunting bag.
New Zealand
waterfowl hunting is characterized by high-quality
wingshooting. Waterfowl are plentiful, with daily bags usually
exceeding the lawful take in the US, but New Zealand duck hunting
is about decoying exoctic species in the most enchanting scenery
imaginable. Fifteen to 30 waterfowl are a reasonable
expectation, with upland bird, trout fishing or big game hunting
for red stag, Himalayan Tahr and Chamois other available
options.
Duck hunting in New Zealand is from comfortable maimais
(duck blinds) on land or water, usually 2 hunters per
blind. Baiting is legal, but not always necessary because
waterfowl remain unpressured by hunting. Guns may be
unplugged. New Zealand duck hunting season runs May through
July and coincides with prime hunting for many big game
species. You may bring your own
shotgun, but a selection of
semi-automatic Berettas are included in duck hunting packages.
Upland bird hunting in New Zealand rounds out our wingshooting
programs perfectly. There's plenty from which to choose,
too. Puekekos (Porphyrio melanotus), sometimes
called blue pheasants, are native species that dwell along wetland
margins and prized by collectors. California quail most
common of the introduced upland game birds and are found in both
islands in coveys of usually between 10 and 100 birds. Covies
of up to 400 having been reported. Other upland bird hunting
opportunities include ring-neck pheasants, as well as hunting for
the world's largest pheasant - wild peacocks - are hunted over
pointers and walk-ups.
Spring turkey hunters
will marvel at the abundance of mature gobblers with no hunter
competition during the spring months August through December.
Merriam's Wild Turkeys are abundant, especially on North Island.
The turkeys may be hunted throughout the year, with a generous
outfitter-imposed limits of 3 gobblers daily. February through
August, during the fall and winter months, effective turkey hunting
methods in Kiwi Land consist of still hunting or busting large
flocks and calling them back. Spring turkey hunting in New Zealand
pairs well with trout fishing.
Learn More:
New
Zealand Hunting Trip Details
New
Zealand Duck Hunting
Big Game Hunting in New
Zealand
New Zealand Hunting
Seasons