PROSPECTS BRIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 98, 27 April 1937, Page 8

PROSPECTS BRIGHT.

THE SHOOTING SEASON WAIKATO AND KING COUNTRY. MANY BIRDS LIBERATED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, Monday. Prospects for the shooting season in the Waikato, which opens on Saturday, are stated to be brighter than for some years. The showery weather of the last few days has had the effect of splitting up large flocks and distributing duck over various areas. Pheasant are also expected to be available in large quantities. More than 2000 birds of good type and condition were liberated by the Auckland Acclimatisation Society at the end of last season and this, together with a natural increase from a good breeding season, has resulted in pheasant being particularly plentiful. Quail, although in fair numbers in the back country, may not provide such good sport as pheasant. Improved conditions regarding wages and leisure have had their effect on the sport. Not only have they caused a fillip to licenses but retailers in Hamilton also rejiort an increased demand for guns and sporting apparel. There has been little increase in the price of sporting material with the exception of cartridges. Reports from the King Country indicate that there also better sport will be provided than for some years. Aβ far as pheasant are concerned the King Country has benefited to the same extent as the Waikato from increased liberations. Quail have also been seen in larger numbers.