Game Bird Hunting
Game bird hunting in New Zealand is a long-loved tradition for many hunters. It involves the pursuit of waterfowl and upland game birds during set seasons of the year. One particular event is the annual duck hunting season, in which hunters call in and shoot ducks from hides (maimais). Firearm safety in this form of hunting is essential as participants are in close proximity and rapidly reacting to the appearance of game.
Our safety tips for the season
- Check in with each other regularly. Take regular breaks and be sure to always unload and prove all shotguns are safe before you start moving out.
- Confirm your firing zones. Check the firing arcs and practice range estimates of your shotgun and leading when shooting a target in flight. Keep this range in mind at all times to help you understand a safe firing zone.
- Wear ear and eye protection. Wearing eye protection and ear protection can prevent related injuries and long-term damage.
- Always handle, transport and store firearms with care. Always treat your firearms as loaded, point in a safe direction and check its load state before storing in a rack.
- Supervise unlicenced shooters; one licence, one gun. If you’ve got a new shooter without a licence, you must directly supervise them.
- Save booze for after the shoot. Serve hot and cold beverages while in the maimai and leave the alcohol until the end of the shoot when firearms are safely stored away. ‘Hot brews, not booze’.
Get Ready for Your Hunt
Here are some key tips on how to have a safe and successful hunt while shooting in the duck season.
- Store firearms safely in the maimai and stick to the plan of the area. Discuss your firing zones and put out aiming pegs to help visualise these
- An organised maimai means everything runs smoothly. Consider your access points to the maimai, especially in low light. Understand the area to aid your search for fallen birds and possible hard places to walk through like rough terrain. Everyone should know where they will sit and all access points.
- You can learn basics on maimai building on the Fish and Game website. Ensure you have a gun rack to safely store firearms when not in use
- Have a first aid kit, food and water handy.
- Check your gear and guns before you go. Allocate some time ahead of Opening Weekend to check your kit and test fire the guns.
- Get some trigger time well before opening. Check the shotgun and give it a clean as well. Make sure it cycles the ammo you’re going to use on the day.
- Practise your range estimates and leading when shooting a target in flight. Keep this range in mind at all times to help you understand a safe firing zone.
- Patterning your shotgun is also a very good idea. You can learn more about techniques on the Fish and Game website.
- Wear eye protection and ear protection as these are a common form of injury and can cause long-term damage
- Practice shouldering when unloaded, bulky jackets can impair a good shooting position
- Gumboots and warm/waterproof clothing can help keep you comfortable and focussed
- Almost all firearms related hunting incidents relate back to one of the 7 Basic Firearms Safety rules.Always treat your firearms as loaded, point in a safe direction and check its load state before storing in a rack.
On the day
- Take regular breaks to maintain a sharp mind with warm food and hot drinks. Always unload and check when you have breaks
- Let others know the state of your firearm as well as ask others the state of theirs, a quick display that it is safe can keep everyone on track and avoid an incident. This is where using chamber flags come in handy. Make sure you know where everyone is and stop shooting if someone is not visible.
- There can be plenty of action in the evenings so stick it out if you have the energy, but don’t push yourself beyond your own limits, check in with each other. Take extra care in low light to identify targets and bring a head torch for safe exit of the area.
- Unload and prove all shotguns are safe before you start moving out, double check those magazines
- Avoid alcohol. Enjoy your drinks at the end of the shoot when firearms are safely stored away.
Last edited: August 2026