DUCK SHOOTING PROSPECTS

Southland Times, Issue 24113, 30 April 1940, Page 4

DUCK SHOOTING PROSPECTS

Birds Plentiful In Southland

MANY SPORTSMEN WILL BE OUT ON SATURDAY

The prospects for the duck-shooting season in Southland, which will open on Saturday, are unusually good. In all parts of the province it is reported that ducks are exceptionally plentiful this season and the bags secured on the opening day should be good if the weather is favourable. In recent seasons lagoons and swamps near the coast have carried large numbers of ducks, but further inland the numbers have been smaller. This year, however, the birds are reported to be more numerous in all districts and in the Eastern and Northern Districts better sport than usual should be obtainable. It is believed that the birds have multiplied more rapidly than usual chiefly because of the destruction of eels by the Southland Acclimatization Society. The shooting season this year is limited to 15 days and when the period was first announced many sportsmen decided that they would not go out. Because of the excellent prospects, however, most have since changed their minds and it is expected that the number of guns in use on Saturday will not be fewer than usual. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) has suggested that there may be a close season next year and sportsmen have found this possibility an added incentive to make the most of the approaching season. The preparation of maimais has been in progress for some time in favourite localities and all will be in readiness for the first shots at dawn on Saturday. The first birds to come down to the water will have a hot reception and there will be few places other than sanctuaries where the birds will be safe during the next fortnight. The short season will result in more concentrated shooting for the brief period