SHOOTING SEASON

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 118, 3 May 1934, Page 3

SHOOTING SEASON

Conditions in the North SPORT ON OPENING DAY Ideal weather conditions were experienced in most parts of the Auckland Province of Tuesday for the opening of the shooting season. The favourite spots for duck-shooting were along the Waikato river and in the lakes of the Rangiriri district. The long spell of dry weather, which lasted until recently, was responsible for many of the smaller lagoons being comparatively dry, and it was found that stands used last year would be unsatisfactory. Sportsmen were out early in large numbers, particularly on the shores of Lakes Waikare and Whangape, and along the banks of the Waikato river. There was a light fog at dawn, but the sun soon dispelled this and for the rest of the day conditions were perfect. Reports received last evenin', were that, excellent sport, had been enjoyed and a number of limit bags obtained. Ducks were plentiful and the lack of water in some lagoons had tne effect of driving the birds into th" lakes, where most of the guns were stationed. Many of tile sportsmen were camping at. their stands, takin. advantage of the warm weather. Fairly good sport was obtained in the I’ukekohe district, and one part of five with a stand between Tuukau bridge aud the Elbow shot 27 duck The weather was ideal, a light mist' rain over the river making conditions

good. The duck moved early to the sanctuary at Maioro Bay, near Wai kato Heads. This sanctuary is e> pected to lessen the number of ducks where shooting is permitted. Pheasams were not abundant, the best bag heir two and a-half brace taken by three guns at Pukekawa. POOR CONDITIONS AT TAUPO. On the southern, shores of Lake Taupo the most disappointing day foi many years was reported. The weather conditions were against good spin with the day dawning calm and bright. After the first lew shots the duck flew high and went into the middle of the lake. The largest ba was secured by Mr. Lewis, of Owhan go, while shooting in the swamp at Motuopa Bay. Tn the vicinity of To kaanu, with 30 guns in action, a total of only 20 birds was shot during th" morning, and many experienced sportsmen who have gained limit bags on opening days in previous years had to be content with one or two birds. A large number of sportsmen opcr ated in the North Auckland district, many concentrating on pheasants and quail. In the neighbourhood of Whangarei the weather was flue after a number of heavy showers during the night. First reports indicated that light bags were the rule, especial: with pheasant shooting. One sportsman reported having seen only twu birds all day, and disappointing results were reported from other parts of this aren. Earlier in the season pheasant l -’ were very plentiful, but the lack o feed, due to the prolonged dry wcathe forced the birds well into the hush, and they arc not expected to return until after heavy rains. Better results are expected later in the season.

LIMIT BAGS OF DUCKS. Sportsmen seeking duck were better treated, and very satisfactory sports was reported, especially on the Otaika river, five miles from Whangarei. Several sportsmen shooting in this locality obtained the limit of 45 ducks before eight o’clock in the morning. Grey duck and teal were most plentiful and one sportsman described the area as a sportsman’s paradise. The guns were surrounded by ducks and thousands could be se<Mi in the distance. One man had obtained his limit and returned home to breakfast, by nine o’clock. Quail were abundant in all parts of the district, but with better game available sportsmen preferred the other birds. Further north, in the Hokianga district, sportsmen were out in large numbers, many of them having come from outside districts. Pheasants, duck and quail were all reported to bo more plentiful than in previous years and several limit bags were obtained. Excellent sport was reported from tho Whakatane district, especially by those in search of duck. A party of seven on the property of Mr. Reynolds, of Thornton, all secured the limit. The birds were more plentiful and in bettor conditions than in previous years. At. least 2(1 limit bags were scoured in this distret.