LIMIT ON GUNS SOUGHT

Southland Times, Issue 23947, 13 October 1939, Page 8

LIMIT ON GUNS SOUGHT

SHOOTING FOR DUCKS OVER DECOYS A limit on the number of guns which may shoot over one lot of decoys in the taking of native game in the Southland acclimatization district is sought in a motion carried by the council of the Southland Acclimatization Society last night. Dr G. B. Orbell moved the following motion: “That in fixing the conditions under which native game can be taken or killed within the Southland acclimatization district the Minister of Internal Affairs be requested to insert the following condition: That not more than three guns may shoot or attempt to shoot native game over one lot of decoys, and that no maimai shall have any cover over the top of such maimai.”

It was decided to discuss the motion in two parts. Dr Orbell gave as his reason for sponsoring the motion about the number of guns that it was not sporting to allow an unlimited number of guns to shoot ovex some ponds. There had been considerable slaughter on some ponds, and if the society was to conserve its stocks of ducks something would have to be done to curtail that slaughter, he said. The society had to consider future generations of shooters as well as the present. He told of cases of wholesale slaughter and knew where clothes baskets full of ducks had been taken by one party and put into the freezer. There was no need to lower the limit of the bag to conserve stocks. The reduction of the number of guns as suggested would have the desired effect. Mr G. Hoffman said he would like to see decoys prohibited altogether.

Mr J. McKenzie seconded the motion. He said he would like to see the number of guns reduced to two.

Mr G. Fraser supported the motion and said that members of the gun and gun dog clubs were absolutely unanimous in their support of it. The clause was carried.

The second part of the resolution, about maimais, was not adopted, it being pointed out that it would be difficult to determine what was a covered maimai. Dr Orbell said that he thought the duck was entitled to a chance, but it had no chance against the man who sat in comfort in a covered maimai.

Mr Eustace Russell said he thought the council would have accomplished something if it got new regulations covering the number of guns allowed. The clause was lost on the voices.