Hunters are reminded to be vigilant around firearm safety this weekend as an expected 55,000 duck hunters venture to the maimai.
The national duck hunting season gets underway tomorrow.
"It is essential you check and re-check your firing zone before you pull the trigger" said Firearms Safety Specialists New Zealand spokesperson Nicole McKee.
Last year there were three incidents in the first two weekends of duck hunting that concluded with one fatality and two serious injuries.
"A firearm is a tool that is capable of delivering destructive and lethal force. Users need to remind themselves constantly of that capability while handling their shotguns," she said.