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Diversity |
Hunt Information New Zealand is a country long renowned for its liberal bird bags. Bird collectors have the opportunity to harvest geese, swan, paradise shelduck, duck, and pukeko from the one blind. The upland gamebird species include turkey, pheasant, quail, pigeons, chukar, and peacock. See species available: Gamebirds |
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Top Guides |
Our bird-hunting guides are Brendan Matthews (South Island), James Gray (South Island) and Ray Potroz (North Island). Click on names to see their price rates. They are the best there are, and have been guiding groups of bird hunters for over a decade. All have arranged access to dozens of separate ponds, rivers, and swamps. Gray hunts the Northern South Island, Matthews in the Central South Island, and Potroz is based near New Plymouth. The best hunts: numbers wise: are those that target crop pests such as paradise ducks, and geese. |
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Big Spreads |
All employ large decoy spreads, and excellent blinds, and are skilled duck callers which gives clients every edge they can. For example: Over a client’s stay, Matthews and Gray offer two quite distinct types of hunts, though the method of hunting is similar. That method is blinds and decoys. It is a simple method, but one that uses guise and camouflage to its very best effect. This hunter has harvested a mixed bag of Canada Geese and Paradise Duck from one such temporary blind. |
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Hunt Type One |
The first hunt is for quantity and involves mallard ducks. The primary locations are farm ponds where numerous flocks of the birds either rest or return to at night to feed. The usual method employed in these circumstances is to build blinds, employ large decoy spreads and wait for birds to appear. The returning birds are resident birds so each pond cannot be overshot, hence the need to have a guide who has access to several ponds or waterways over the five days clients are hunting. |
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Hunt Type Two |
The second hunt targets Paradise Shelducks, and usually takes place on larger, more open waterways where the birds feed locally on grass or stubble paddocks and return periodically to the water. These large birds have beautiful plumage and are highly sought as trophies for mounting. The male is a glossy black with a black head, while the female is chestnut with a white head. Big tallies are often taken. On the hunt shown in this picture limit bags were taken by lunchtime. The bag includes mallard ducks and pigeon. |
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Special Season |
During February and March some regions have a special season for Paradise Duck and Canada Geese. The shooting can be fast and furious. Both Matthews and Gray have exclusive access to the best hunting areas. The paradise ducks in particular are causing crop and pasture damage so can appear in large flocks, and be almost suicidal in their desire to decoy in. Large numbers are shot, and in the South Island Canada Geese may also be harvested. Most hunts are over fields, but some hunts do involve ponds, and swamps. |
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Season Dates |
The bird season in New Zealand essentially runs from the first weekend in May to the end of July with the principal target species being mallard duck. Opening weekend is invariably booked a year in advance, but hunts in late May and June are also very successful. Hunts for turkey and quail are also available for later in the season. Preserve pheasant hunting can be arranged but will cost an additional amount. This hunter is showing two doubles he scored on incoming paradise ducks. |
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Contact |
