Tony Chadderton (left) and John Faul, attempt to entice ducks on the opening day of duck-shooting season at Awarua. Photo / Janette Gellatly
Southlanders woke to a perfect day for the start of the game bird hunting season on Saturday- perfect for ducks, not the shooters, due to high cloud.
Mai mais had been stocked and duck ponds fed before the highly anticipated opening day.
Fish & Game reported more than 40,000 people, including about 5500 from Southland, were licensed this year to hunt birds such as mallards, paradise shelducks, shovelers and black swans.
However, it would appear some were more prepared than others.
At least one duo decided on the Thursday to get things ready for opening day.
"A good day would be stormy ... and dawn and evening are the best times."
Asked how they preferred their ducks to be cooked, Chadderton said duck a l'orange, but also suggested cooking them in milk to keep the meat moist.
For Faul, it was simple, "I give it to the wife."
From a nearby mai mai, the smell of bacon wafted out.
The Bell family - father Scott Bell and his children Tyler and Charlotte, all of Seaward Downs - had been joined by Darren Bell and spotter Darcy Ruffell, both of Invercargill, and Charlie the dog.
Bell said the annual event was a family tradition and three generations took part.