Bag your bird - 2017 game bird hunting season

Duck in water

The countdown is on.

With less than a week left until the New Zealand 2017 Game Bird Hunting Season officially starts, we thought we’d give you a few final tips to ensure your season is a success and that you hunt legally and safely. 

Be prepared

As the old saying goes, ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail’, and this is definitely the case when it comes to game bird shooting. 

You’ve still got a few days make sure you're fully prepared for the season by:

Make sure you have all your gear:

The must haves:

  • Licence
  • Gun and non toxic ammo
  • Warm and subdued coloured clothing (avoid blue!)
  • Small knife

You may also want:

  • Lifelike decoys  
  • Call
  • Dog and or boat
  • Camo clothing
  • Waders
  • Binoculars  

Stay safe

41% of game bird hunting injuries occur on opening weekend, so be sure to swat up on the Firearms Safety Code before you go. Do your very best to keep yourself and fellow hunters safe, after all, the most important thing for any hunter on opening weekend and throughout the duck season is to make it home safe. 

Remember - Leave the beers until after the hunt when the firearms and ammo are safely stored away

Be successful - bag yourself some birds

New to game bird shooting or feeling a bit rusty? Check out these hunting and shooting tips and get some practice in with clay targets before you head out. 

Cook your bird 

Make the most of a successful shoot by sharing and enjoying your bird with your friends and family, after all, that's what hunting is all about. 

Be sure to prep your game bird properly, then why not check out one one these tried and tested recipes from fellow Kiwis including the legendary Josh James Kiwi Bushman:

Looking for more recipe ideas? Check out the best selling recipe book, Duck, Duck, Goose.

Don't think you can do your bird justice? Look no further than the Gamebird Food Festival. This awesome initiative gives you the chance get your bird cooked by a professional in a number of participating restaurants across New Zealand. 

Take care and enjoy yourself this game bird season folks!


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