SHOOTING SEASON PROSPECTS

Evening Star, Issue 25776, 26 April 1946, Page 8

SHOOTING SEASON PROSPECTS

AMMUNITION NOT PLENTIFUL RESTRICTED SALES TO SPORTSMEN ; Early to-morrow week Otago sportsmen will.be out at their favourite mai mais for tho opening of the duck shooting season, the prospects for which are reported-to be excellent, as birds are plentiful. The only aspect which is not so encouraging is that ammunition, although on free sale this season, is likely to be considerably below requirements ' . : Retailers' orders of ammunition have not been met to the full extent and ■ they are finding it necessary to ration customers in order to spread supplies as far as possible. A small shipment of imported ammunition came forward some time ago, but was quickly sold, and. for the rest, sportsmen must depend, on New Zealand made supplies, which are below requirements.

The demand for ammunition >s exceptionally heavy this season, said one .retailer this morning. In former years most sportsmen had a carry-over of supplies from one season to another and in many cases purchases were made largely to replenish reserves. Because of the shortages in recent seasons all reserves have been exhausted and sportsmen are forced to buy before they can go out. In addition, many young men and ex-servicemen will be shooting for the first time and they have added to the demand In view of tW shortage, sportsmen would probably be wise to take any shot sizes available, he said . Ducks are stated to be plentiful in, the most popular areas, particularly at. Green Island swamp, Waipori. Waihola. and Kaitangatn. Q.uail and chukor are numerous in Central Otago after ' a favourable breeding season. The pheasant season will not open until June 1. Licenses have been forwas'led to post offices and agents this week. Complimentary licenses are available to ex-servicemen under certain conditions.