Game bird shooters obeying the rules

The new game bird season began early on Saturday morning, with bags varying widely between regions in the fine, clear conditions that gave waterfowl an advantage.

Fish & Game rangers have been pleased to see that a "responsible majority" of hunters in the North Island stuck to the rules as the new game bird season opened at the weekend.

The new season began early on Saturday morning, with bags varying widely between regions in the fine, clear conditions that gave waterfowl an advantage.

In the large Eastern Region, which includes the Bay of Plenty and central North Island areas, East Cape, Gisborne and Wairoa, the rate of offences detected was pleasingly lower than last year, Fish & Game manager Andy Garrick said.

Rangers spoke to more than 250 hunters and five face prosecution for offences such as hunting without a game bird licence and possession of lead shot.

"It was great to have police assistance in the ranging operations," Mr Garrick said.

"Hunters who choose to flout the rules can pay a heavy price which can include court appearances, fines and forfeiting of their firearm."

But, overall, the opening showed a high level of compliance and hunter responsibility, he said.

In Northland, two shotguns were seized from hunters who did not have licences.

The game bird season for mallards continues until June 28 for Wairarapa.