MAI MAI SHELTERS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 111, 23 April 1936, Page 3

MAI MAI SHELTERS.

The Tangoio district, particularly the swampy areas, harbour plenty of native game, and sportsmen are already erecting their mai mai shelters in the lagoons, in readiness for the morning of May 1. • | There are plenty of ducks on the Hatuma Lake, but whether or not they will make for good shooting depends upon the effect on them of the artillery practice now being held at Waipukurau. It is possible that the noise of the firing may scare the ducks inland.

Imported game, comprising quail and pheasants, are most plentiful in the Putorino, Mohaka, Puket.itiri and Patoka districts. Last season was a particularly good one for pheasant shooting, and the indications are that this season will be just as good, if not better.

Sportsmen are strictly limited as to the number of birds they might shoot per day. For all duck, including black swan, the limit is 25 head in all, with a limit of 15 head of ducks. Up to five cock pheasants may be shot, but there is no limit placed upon quail. A reminder is given of the recent Gazette notice which provides that two guns may now be carried by sportsmen, but both may not be used for actual shooting. The second gun ;nay be used in the emergency of the first gun becoming out of order, but it must not be kept loaded while the first gun is being used. PROHIBITED GAME. By law, pukeko, native pigeon, paradise duck and godwits are protected Special permission may be gained from the Minister of Internal Affairs, however, to shoot pukeko, providing it is • proved that they are troublesome. Shooting licenses are now being issued freely throughout Hawke’s Bay, and the number of inquiries for sports guns and equipment indicates that there will be many sportsmen in the field on Slav 1.

Sports dealers report a brisk demand for all types of equipment, including a number from persons who are making their first venture into the sport of shooting. It seems more than likely, in fact, that Hawke's Bay will again uphold its reputation for providing some of the finest shooting in New Zealand.