"Contrary to popular belief, that tot of brandy to warm you up on a frosty morning can actually increase your chances of hypothermia."
Hunters are better to celebrate their successes when the guns are packed away, she said.
"Save the alcohol for basting your game bird."
Ms McKee said duck hunters needed to check firing zones before shooting for the day and take note of where other maimai, boats, hunters, stock and dogs are located.
"Do not take the shot if there is any possibility that your pellets could endanger others."
Duck hunters need to be smart, adaptable, enjoy the challenge and, above all, be safe this season to reap rewards in what are expected to be tough shooting conditions, said Eastern Fish and Game senior officer Matt McDougall. That meant targeting paradise shelduck, pheasant, pukeko and even black swans on the farm paddocks, or the bigger stretches of water.
The region covering Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga and the East Coast will have more than 3300 licensed hunters heading for the outdoors during first fortnight of the season.
With fewer ducks around than previous years in the region - down from peak 700,000 to 200,000 - daily individual bag limits have been slashed from 10 to six ducks.