By being declared a pest, Canada Geese have been removed from the shooting schedule and it is open slather to shoot that species all year round.
The effect of an open season on Canada Geese, coupled with organised helicopter shots, seems to have reduced the bird population at least as far as the numbers of large flocks are concerned.
Farmers blame Canada Geese for destroying pastures and leaving behind a trail of slimy excreta but the birds are becoming increasing popular as a table bird due to their prized breast fillets.
Limit bags for other species remain much the same as in other years with hunters legally able to take 10 mallards or paradise ducks a day and - in Wairarapa - two black swans.
A hunting licence costs $90 for an adult shooter, $20 for a junior and $2 for a child.
Mr Teal said Fish and Game rangers will be out in force checking that shooters are playing by the rules.
He said last season staff made a point of checking areas that had not been checked for several years and they will continue to do the same this season.