New Zealand / Regional

Flying start for Taranaki's duck season

08:21 am on 2 May 2015

Fish and Game says duck numbers in the North Island are reasonably healthy as the shooting season starts today.

Mallard numbers appear to be up in Auckland and Waikato. Photo: 123RF

It said a good breeding season and strong duck numbers mean Taranaki will have an eight-week hunting season, with 10-bird daily bag limits for mallard and grey duck.

In the Auckland-Waikato regions, numbers are returning to normal after several years of spring floods.

Fish and Game said eastern areas were hopeful of a positive start with mallard numbers appearing to be up but the season would last for a conservative four weeks.

Hawke's Bay will have an eight-week season and bag limits have been reduced in Northland.