New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has joined forces with Te Tari Pūreke - Firearms Safety Authority and Fish & Game to stress the importance of safety this duck hunting season.

An estimated 60,000 New Zealanders are expected to take part in the much-anticipated opening weekend (starting today, Saturday May 4), including locals, who can expect “positive” mallard numbers according to a recent Fish & Game count.

Read more: Long-term mallard trend positive as duck shooting season looms

“Hunters will have put in a lot of work to ensure they’re all set for a safe hunting season,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said. 

“We’re reminding them to continue to keep safety front of mind, so that everyone will make it home safe at the end of the day.”

Mike said safe firearm practices are a crucial part of the equation for all game bird hunting, and particularly for the busy opening weekend for duck hunting season.

Overall, game bird hunters in New Zealand have an improving safety record, as shown by MSC analysis of ACC injury claims data.

To continue this downward trend, MSC, Te Tari Pūreke and Fish & Game are urging duck hunters to always follow good firearms safety practices in and around the maimai.

“Getting a good bag of ducks and having a safe and enjoyable day hunting has nothing to do with luck,” Te Tari Pūreke director of partnerships Mike McIlraith said.

He says everyone in the maimai should agree in advance on their safe firing zones, and then stick to them.

“Duck hunters should be aware of where everyone is in the maimai and always point their firearms away from other people and themselves. If there are more hunters than can safely shoot at once, agree to take turns throughout the day.”

Following the basics of safe firearm use can also help prevent an accident, he said. 

“Treat every firearm in the maimai as loaded, always point firearms in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger and have control of the shotgun at all times.”

Fish & Game also encourages hunters to follow the advice of firearms safety experts.

“When you’re not using your firearm, make sure it’s unloaded, and then stow it in a holder with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction,” Fish & Game operations advisor Richie Cosgrove said.

“This prevents the firearm from sliding or being knocked over and accidentally going off. When you finish hunting for the day, unload your firearm and lock it away.”

Mike said there hunters should also look out for each other by making sure everyone takes regular breaks to avoid getting tired and then making mistakes, saving alcoholic drinks until after the hunt when all firearms are safely stored away, and wearing ear and eye protection.

In Otago, the game bird hunting season begins today (Saturday May 4) and ends on July 28.

The seven simple firearms safety rules:

1. Treat every firearm as loaded
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction
3. Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire
4. Identify your target beyond all doubt
5. Check your firing zone
6. Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms.

 PHOTO: Wānaka App