GAME SHOOTING

Evening Star, Issue 22327, 1 May 1936, Page 8

GAME SHOOTING

OTAGO SEASON OPENS PERFECT WEATHER COHDITIOMS TO-DAY Dull weather conditions last night indicated a favourable opening to-day of the game shooting season in Otago, and in anticipation of being provided with good sport several parties of gunmen left town for various country districts. Further sportsmen went away this morning to take advantage of the dull and windy weather, which was perfect for shooting, as the birds fly low and there is an absence of glare or dazzle to obstruct sighting. It is understood that sportsmen, not only from Otago, but from Christchurch and Invercargill, have been attracted by the open season for chukor and pukeko, and many have already taken out licenses for the shooting of these birds. Chukor are said to be very plentiful in the Cromwell district, and should provide added interest for shooters. The season for the shooting of all classes of native and imported game was opened from to-day, and will remain open until June 30 for grey ducks, mallard ducks, and spoonbills, and until July 31 for Californian quail. _ The chukor and pukeko season will last for only a fortnight, while one week will be allowed for paradise ducks. Bags of grey, mallard, paradise, and spoonbill ducks are limited to 15, and the regulations provide that no more than five paradise ducks be taken on one day or 25 for the complete season. Mixed bags of ducks, quail, and chukor are limited to 20 birds, while the same provision is made for paradise shooting. It is also permissible to shoot eight pukeko or 10 black swans a day. _ Local sportsmen have been anticipating an interesting two weeks with chukor. This is the first local season for the shooting of these birds, whose habits they hare yet to learn, and they are quite prepared to engage in a battle of wits with the game.