SHOOTING SEASON

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 102, 1 May 1937, Page 11

SHOOTING SEASON

GOOD CONDITIONS

GAME PLENTIFUL

The rain last night caused sportsmen in their camps around Lake Wairarapa to hope for ideal weather for the opening of. .'the/ duck-shooting season. What shooters like is a drizzling rain with, just enough wind to keep the ducks flying low, ' and within reach. Fine, clear weather like this morning tends to give the ducks too clear a vision of the various mi-mis, and.sportsmen's hiding places,1 and after the first fusillade ;as soon as it is light 'enough to", see, the ducks fly high, generally out of range. Nevertheless, the first hour should have given those sportsmen who are at the lake-good sport. Swan are numerous, but the weather is a little clear for the best opportunities. .■ . ■ ;■■■:■ .. . ■ 'rii,:: . •■■

Much dependedl on the level of the lake today.' it was reported to be'rising, and the extent;' the water.has risen , amongst the rushes and raupo on the margin, will 'determine the shelter, for the duck,, and. also screen' the

guns. More guns are .on the.lake today than: there were on .the. opening day r last year,'but'mu'ch will- ■ depend ;on the ducks-keeping .to. the. margins after dhe: shooting starts.'*"Most : ,'likeiy,:;the; ducks' will -take .shelter iri the centre of the, lake-, • while if the sea-, is comparatively calm many will-forsake the lake altogether for the sea outside.the mouth of the lake. A,number of ducks will, seek .the sanctuaries iri f the .neighbourhood. .-. ; - ■ ;•,-■' ■;>■•■

The weather may lead many men to the hills in search of quail and pheasants', where those with good dogs will find excellent sport, according to the reports.. Ducks are reported to be plentiful on the lagoons and lakes along the northern coast,- where last year some good bags 'were obtained. ■ . ■ A party 'consisting of the Minister of Mines1 (the Hon. P. a Webb), the Hon. G. R. Hunter,. M.L.C., and the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) went as ■ guests to Mr. J. P. McEvedy's property;atJLake Ellesmere yesterday, • and expected good, sport today. •.-. ( ;■.'■' ' ■' ; ■ :■■ ''