GAME BIRDS
QUAIL
Californian quail are amongst the smaller and most beautiful game bird species. The thick scrub and rocky gullies of Central Otago is the perfect home to large coveys of quail. Hunters need to be quick and accurate if they are to catch these fast flying birds as they flush.
The hunting season is restricted and begins in June continuing until the end of August. Bag limits apply.
CHUKAR
One of the rarest available game bird species in New Zealand, Chukar have made their home in the steep faces of the Otago hills. Hunters require a good level of fitness and plenty of patience to secure one of these red legged partridges.
The hunting season is restricted and begins in June continuing until the end of August. Bag limits apply.
PHEASANT
With their bright plumage and superb eating qualities pheasants are one of the most hunted game birds in New Zealand. There is nothing like the crowing of a cock pheasant as it takes flight, and within hunting opportunities nationwide chasing these birds is a thrill.
The hunting season is restricted and in most areas it begins in May continuing until the end of August. Bag limits apply.
MERRIAM TURKEY
New Zealand’s only Turkey species is the Merriam. With relatively little hunting pressure and few predators numbers are high. Turkeys can be hunted by rifle, shot-gun or bow, there are no bag limits and a year round season.
Breeding season for Merriam turkeys in New Zealand is during October and November, and turkeys an be added on to any hunting package.
DUCKS
The opening of the duck shooting season is one of the most popular hunting weekends for New Zealanders. With both the paradise shellduck and mallard duck season opening the first weekend of May, hunters set out in groups to shoot open water from blinds often called a maimai.
The hunting season is restricted and in most areas it begins in May continuing until the end of August. Bag limits apply.
