Hunters advised to change aim with new ammunition

Bird experts and hunting advocates are urging duck hunters to adjust their aim when using a new steel shot blamed for leaving scores of ducks dying a slow and painful death.

Since new regulations banning hunters from using lead shot within 200m of water or wetlands, more birds are being injured instead of killed in one shot.

Since the duck-shooting season began on May 7, nine injured ducks have been brought into the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre.

Manager Robert Webb is concerned the new non-toxic steel shot is breaking birds' wings and legs, but not killing them.

"I'm worried that there are birds lying out there injured....

"Maybe the hunters need to upgrade to the next size, I don't know."

Gerald Foster, of McCoy and Thomas Sports Hunting and Fishing New Zealand, said hunters had to learn to use steel shot correctly.

"It's the way people are adjusting to the shot. It's not a problem if you use the right type of shell."

Mr Foster says many hunters are opting for the cheaper 2.75-inch (7cm) shell, which does not kill the birds at long distances.

"People need to call the birds in closer."

The 3-inch (7.6cm) shell is more suited for long ranges.

Mr Foster urges people to talk to the experts about using steel shots.

"We are happy to give advice to hunters."

A local duck-shooter, who did not want to be named, says he has gone through "twice as much ammo" this year.

He says that, in previous years he would kill three-quarters of birds with the first shot but this year it is more like a quarter.

He has killed about 40 birds this season, and only 10 of those would have died on the first shot, compared with the equivalent 30 last year.

Northland manager for Fish and Game New Zealand, Rudi Hoetjes, hunters needed to adjust to the slight difference in firing technique required with using steel.

As the steel shot travels quicker, the hunter has to aim directly at the bird, if it is within 30m or 40m, instead of aiming ahead of the bird's flight path as with lead.

The duck shooting season for most duck breeds ends at the end of next month.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)