Two hunters had their guns taken away after they were found hunting without licenses during the first weekend of duck hunting season in the Eastern region. Fish & Game staff, along with police and firearms safety officers, checked a total of 125 hunters in the area. The case involving the two hunters without licenses will be further investigated.
Anthony van Dorp, a senior officer at Fish & Game, said that teams made sure hunters had their licenses, followed bag limits, didn’t use lead shot near open water, and adhered to other rules. He said that most hunters were open to interacting with rangers, even those who had broken the law.
Van Dorp emphasized the importance of compliance work, explaining that it helps hunters understand the value of their license and where their money goes. He also noted that hunters generally appreciate the work Fish & Game does to manage bird populations and ensure ethical and safe hunting.
Hunters were also asked about the number of birds they caught. Some hunters in the East Coast Gisborne area said that it was their best opening day in years. Fish & Game described the atmosphere over the weekend as “festive”, with hunters happy to chat with rangers.
Several hunters shared their experiences, including Chris Dominikovich who hunted with friends at Kaituna Wetlands, and Ian Watson who hunted with his longtime friend on Richard Weld’s land. Rachelle Meijer, who has been hunting with her father since childhood, also participated, now joined by her partner Mel.
