Game bird hunters have until 10am on Sunday to claim their maimai, or duck shooting stand.

Fish and Game say a maimai can be pegged any time before Sunday, which is crucial for hunters who want to claim their favourite spot.

Duck shooting season begins in May.

Fish and Game Officer John Meikle advises hunters to take photos of the spot and the time they pegged it to avoid any disputes with other hunters.

Stands need to be pegged at least 90m from another maimai and pegs need to be highly visiable.

'If you are claiming a stand for the first time, you must be present at 10am on Sunday to ensure your claim is valid and legal,” says John.

The licence holder claiming the stand must be present in person at the stand to mark it up.

If the stand claimant has not arrived in the first hour of peg day then the stand is able to be used by any other licensed hunters for the rest of the day.

More information is available at: www.fishandgame.org.nz