WITH DOG AND GUN.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18623, 29 April 1932, Page 2

WITH DOG AND GUN.

THE SHOOTING SEASON. . , GOOD SPORT ANTICIPATED. DUCKS AND QUAIL PLENTIFUL. ■Sportsmen throughout the Dominion are making preparations for the opening' of the shooting season next Monday, and the-indications 1 ,- so far as the Auckland district is: concerned, point to good sport being obtainable in many parts. If sufficient rain falls in the interim the duck shooting will be greatly im- . proved, .hut ds. it is these birds are stated to be present in large numbers in tlie swampy areas: and lake districts of South Auckland, notably at Matangi, and in the Te Awamutu— Arapuni area. Good shooting is also anticipated at Lake Waikare and Lake Whangape,' and in the vicinity of Rangiriri. - These are always popular haunts of -mallard, grey, and spoonbill duck, and in past seasons have altracted many sportsmen. /Vs the result of the activities of tli© Auckland Acclimatisation Society in liberating pheasants, these birds are fairly plentiful everywhere, particularly in the Matamata- and Raglan districts. Since last November over 300 pheasants have been liberated in and around the Waikato.

Quail Plentiful. Californian quail are more numerous this year than has been the case for some years past. In the Taumarunui district the birds are said to be very numerous, and quail shooters arc promised some of the best sport in New Zealand in this part. Australian quail are also reported to have Increased in North Auckland districts. Although the maximum bag in the .case of ducks and swans has been set at 25, and nine for pheasant shooters, no restriction has been placed on the number of quail to be taken. . The duck shooting season has also been extended this year, and in the Auckland district will commence on May 2, and close on June 30, or two weeks laler than last year. It is usual for the season to open on May 1, but as this date falls on a Sunday this year the Minister of Internal Affairs ordered a postponement until the following day, a decision which caused widespread regret among sportsmen. Society’s Efforts Fail. Despite the efforts of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society to have the protection on pukekos removed, or at least modified, no satisfactory result has eventuated. Special permission to destroy the birds or lessen their numbers can be obtained by landowners whose properties have suffered from the depredations of the birds. Application for such permission must be made to the Minister of Internal Affairs. The sale of licenses for the season is proceeding smoothly, and an officer of the society, resident in Hamilton, has expressed -the opinion that the number spld this year will probably eolipse last year’s figures.