Coast Shooting Season Starting Next Month

Grey River Argus, 23 April 1948, Page 7

Coast Shooting Season Starting Next Month

Present indications for the 1948 duck shooting season which will commence on May 1 are that good days will be had by sportsmen in the Grey' Valley and elsewhere on the West Coast. Large flights of ducks have been reported in the Grey Valley and increasing numbers of other game birds have also been noted. From another point of view, too, this season will be a better one than has been experienced for two or three years. This is in the matter* of ammunition. Last year the supply arrived too late to be much good and this year, although stocks are not large, it is hoped that they will last the season through if every sportsman takes only his immediate requirements. A few double-barrelled shot guns have been on the market in the last few months and there are singlebarrelled models available. The double-barrelled model is selling at about £27 and the single-barrell at £lO. In 1939 the prices for the same articles were about £l6 for the double and £6 10s for the single models. LIMITS ON BAGS The season which commences on May 1 will continue through until May 30. During this period of time black swan, grey duck, spoonbill and pukeko, as well as paradise duck, may be shot. There are limitations however, on the area in which the latter may be taken and these are set out on the 1948 license. No shooting may commence earlier than one hour before the sun rises, or continue later than an hour after sunset. Sanctuaries in the Grey district are Lakes Ryan and Haupiri, and the lagoons, creeks, river boundaries and lands of and adjoining . the Omoto racecourse. The river lagoons of Cobden and Greymouth are within the borough area, and shooting in them is automatically prohibited. Penalties involved in violation of the laws in regard to the time of shooting and limitations of bags range up to £25, and there is the possibility of the offending gun being confiscated. Limitations of bags are: (a) 20 head in all of grey duck, spoonbill, Paradise duck and black swan; (b) 15 head in all of grey duck, spoonbill and paradise duck; (c) 15 head of black swan: (d) 10 head of grey duck and/or spoonbill; (e) 5 head of paradise duck; and (f) 25 head of pukeko. The limits apply to a day’s shooting- for one person, and are set. out on the license.

Reports from the country indicate that the swamps and river banks as well as the lakes are in excellent condition for the season and that already large flights of duck are feeding there.