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.