Thousands of enthusiastic hunters hit the ponds, rivers, and lakes of Bay of Plenty in pursuit of ducks at the weekend.
A Fish and Game Eastern Region release said hunters in the greater Rotorua and Bay of Plenty areas were greeted with less than ideal, clear weather conditions for the opening.
Gisborne and the East coast started the day with perfect, wet, and windy weather for duck hunting. Fine clear skies make tough work for duck hunters, as birds tend to fly high and be more cautious, the release said.
Despite the conditions, many hunters around the region met with success, although duck numbers were generally down on previous seasons.
Around the Gisborne area, mallard and grey duck numbers were low with many farm ponds being dry.