SHOOTING SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 98, 28 April 1933, Page 7

SHOOTING SEASON.

OPENS ON MONDAY. PROSPECTS FOR SPORTSMEN. QUEST FOR GAME BIRDS. The shooting season in the Auckland district will open on Monday for a period of six weeks. Many sportsmen are already making their preparations, and during the weekend there will probably be treks to the Hauraki Plains and the vicinity of Rangiriri, which are regarded as two of the best duck-shooting localities in the Dominion. Reports in regard to duck-shooting prospects are somewhat conflicting. It is certain that the grey duck is not now as plentiful as it was in previous years, but in certain localities there is every prospect of limit bags being secured. Much will depend on the weather over the week-end, and whether there is heavy rain before Monday, or a bright sky on the opening day. The grey duck is a wily bird, and is well able to take care of itself. Sportsmen in the Waikato consider that the ranging will have to be more effective if the supply of duck is to be maintained. Although quail and pheasant are not as plentiful as before stoata and weasels became numerous, there should be, in selected localities, some good sport. The Auckland Acclimatisation Society has been carrying out a systematic stocking of pheasants, and the last breeding season was a good one. The pukeko is again on the protected list, although many sportsmen consider that the restriction should be removed owing to this bird's destructive habits.