‘Weather will favour ducks’

Press, 14 April 1978, Page 3

‘Weather will favour ducks’

The weather will favour the ducks rather than the! shooters when the 1978' duck-shooting season opens tomorrow, according to the Christchurch Meteorological Office. Forecasters yesterday predicted a south-westerly change late today, but fair weather, blue skies — and resulting high-flying ducks — for tomorrow. The forecast was the same for the whole of Canterbury, a Weather, Office spokesman said. However, Canterbury duck shooters will have plenty to blaze away at this season, and more than twice as much time to do it in. ! In an effort to control the growing duck population cheaply and relatively humanely, acclimatisation societies have extended the

season to nine weeks and 10 j week-ends, compared with I the previous four weeks and ■four week-ends. Part of the reason for the extension is that this summer’s drought has left ponds dried up and river levels at their lowest for many years. The large duck population has been left with fewer suitable habitats and greatly diminished food sources. By having sportsmen control the population, acclimatisation societies hope to avoid the prospect of large numIbers of ducks dying through starvation or disease. “We could try poisoning or something like that, but Extending the season seems the best way,” said a North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society spokesman. As in the' last few seasons, however, shooters will have to bag more birds toi

i get their money’s worth. It will cost the novice duckhunter about 50 per cent more to prepare himself this season than it did two years ago. The greatest price increase has been in shotgun ammunition. Three years ago, a , wasted shot meant only 10c or 12c lost. This year, the cost of a box of 25 cartridges ranges from $8.75 to $10.50, or 42c a shot. Last year, shooters could buy a reasonable side by-side shotgun for $l5O. Tnis year, I they can expect to pay $lB5 or more for the same gun. Senior game licences cost $l2 this season, compared with $8 last season, but they are valid throughout the South Island. Next year, the licences could be extended to cover the whole of New i Zealand, according to the

: acclimatisation society , spokesman. The demand for licences had been “pretty much the same as previous years,” ne said. This year’s bag limits are: Grey duck, 25; shoveller (or spoonbill) duck, five; mallard duck, 25; paradise duck, two in low coentry, six in high country. The limit on a mixed bag is 25. The bag sizes for other game birds are: pukeko, two north of the Ashley River, four south; California quail, no limit; chukor, no limit; Canada goose, no limit; cock pheasant, two. The shooting hours for most birds between April 15 and June 18 will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. After that date until October 29 the hours will be extended to midnight. Canada geese may be hunted or killed at any time.