Game Bird and Waterfowl Hunting in the Eastern Region

Hunters in the Eastern Fish & Game region have a wide variety of opportunities available from which to choose a hunting spot. Both waterfowl and upland game populations are abundant throughout different parts of the region. Whether you enjoy the exhilaration of quail or pheasant hunting, or prefer to spend opening morning waiting for the familiar sound of ducks calling, there is something to suit all hunting enthusiasts in the Eastern Region.

While there are several balloted hunting areas, many parts of the region provide public hunting as well. Coastal dunes, exotic forest plantations, lake and river edge reserves all provide possibilities for a successful day's shooting. Local clubs in the region are an ideal source of information on hunting areas, too. You can find out who the contact person is for a club in your area from the Eastern Fish and Game offices in Rotorua.

The game season opens on the first weekend in May. For most waterfowl species, it finishes mid-way through July, apart from Canada geese and black swan, which may be shot until the last weekend in August. Upland game hunting season also closes at the end of August. It is important that hunters check the current year's game season conditions for the Eastern Region for daily bag limits and permitted species. Hunters should also ensure that they are able to distinguish between protected and game species.

WATERFOWL

Gisborne/Wairoa

There are very few public hunting areas in the Gisborne/Wairoa part of the Eastern region. Nevertheless, there are good numbers of waterfowl in the area, with mallard ducks and paradise shelducks as the predominant species. As an alternative to public hunting reserves we suggest that hunters may wish to approach landowners and request permission to shoot on their properties. Maize paddocks that have been cut around Wairoa, Gisborne, or Tolaga Bay are worthwhile investigating. We recommend that hunters check to see whether ducks move into them in the evenings. Local hunters have noted that there does not appear to be any pattern as to which maize paddocks ducks move into, but they often visit the same paddock for 2-3 days before moving onto another. Maize paddocks are especially productive towards the end of the season.


River reserves are another option for those wishing to hunt in the Gisborne/Wairoa area. Again, landowners bordering rivers should be contacted for access permission. It is best to approach landowners well before the season begins - this will provide sufficient time to build maimais and prepare for opening weekend. The Waipoua and Uaua Rivers in particular are often productive. There are also a number of small streams in the East Coast area that are successfully hunted.

Bay of Plenty

As well as being able to shoot on farms in the Bay of Plenty (at the landowners' discretion), there are a number of wildlife management reserves along the coast. If you do not hold a balloted stand, public hunters may access these reserves from 4 weeks after opening day. A walk-in permit is required and can be obtained by telephone or mail from the Eastern Fish and Game offices. There is no charge for walk-in permits.


Another suggestion is to find out when maize silage is due to be fed out to stock. As ducks are quickly attracted to the feed, good evening shooting is almost guaranteed. It is important that hunters shooting on farms hold appropriate dog dosing certificates and show the usual courtesy with opening and closing of gates.

The major hunting areas are outlined below:

Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve
The Kaituna Reserve is the largest remaining area of wetland in the Bay of Plenty. Although the wetland was drained when the Kaituna Drainage Scheme was put in place, Eastern Fish and Game, hunters, and the Department of Conservation are restoring some of the original area. The Kaituna wetland is managed as a wildlife reserve.



Mallard ducks are the predominant species in the Kaituna Reserve. Shoveler ducks are increasing in numbers, and other waterfowl are also present. The gate on Pa Road, off the main Tauranga/Rotorua highway, is the only access point.



Tauranga Harbour

Hunters wanting to shoot black swans will find large numbers of them on the Tauranga Harbour. Canada geese are also abundant, and those who prefer jump shooting are ensured of a good day's outing at the harbour.



Orini Reserve

Mallard ducks and Paradise shelducks are the main species present at Orini Reserve. The reserve is well suited to "sit and wait" hunting.



Thornton Reserve

As with Orini Reserve, Thornton is suited to hunting from a maimai and using a duck caller. Access to this reserve is on the true right of the Rangitaiki River. Hunters should turn at Thornton Hall.



Awakaponga Reserve

Hunters will be able to reach Awakaponga Reserve from the Matata - Edgecumbe road.



Lake Tamurenui

Access to this hunting area is off the main Whakatane - Rotorua highway.



Bregman Wildlife Management Reserve

Access to Bregman Reserve is from Sutherlands Road. Although all waterfowl species are available to hunters at Bregman Reserve, Paradise shelducks are the most abundant. This wetland is suitable for sitting, waiting, and calling to the ducks.



Lake Aniwhenua

Recognised as a high quality trophy trout fishery, Lake Aniwhenua also offers excellent hunting opportunities. Access to the lake is off the Murupara-Whakatane road. Black swan, paradise shelduck, mallard duck, grey duck, and pukeko are all abundant. The most suitable part of the lake for hunting is the area upstream and immediately downstream of Rabbit Bridge.



Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Black swan and canada geese are present in good numbers at Lake Rerewhakaaitu. Hunters should note that only the scenic reserve, accessible from Ashpit Road, is open to game bird shooting. Permits to shoot at the reserve are required from the Department of Conservation.