The opportunity to access some of the best public land areas for game bird hunting in New Zealand starts today February 1.

Even though duck hunting season doesn't start till May 7, now is the time to get ready for the new season.

Hunters who would like to hunt on some premium public land in South Canterbury and North Otago during Opening Weekend have the chance to sign up for four balloted hunting areas.

Today the ballot for public hunting stands in the Central South Island Fish & Game (CSIFG) region opened.

Game bird hunting Wainono wetlands. Photo: Richard Cosgrove/Fish & Game NZ.

Up to 15 hunting parties can hunt on the Wainono Wetland reserve, All Day Bay, Ealing Springs and Devils Bridge sites owned or managed on hunter's behalf by CSIFG.

"The hunting areas we have available for hunters are perfect for someone who may be new to the area or wants to branch out and try somewhere new,” says Central South Island Fish & Game Officer Hamish Stevens.

"They have been set up so that hunters have the best chance of success and to make it easy for hunters to access and use.”

The wetlands offer a variety of game bird species to pursue, coupled with some outstanding scenery.

They provide an excellent option for those searching for a new Opening Weekend spot or those looking to try a new location throughout the season.

All interested hunters need to do is go to the link below or call the Temuka Office on (03) 615 8400 and apply by March 1.

After opening weekend, any hunter can apply for a permit to hunt these sites from the Temuka Office.

A hunter calls in the ducks while game bird hunting at Ealing Springs near the Rangitata River. Ealing Springs is a balloted hunting area managed by Central South Island Fish & Game. Photo: Richard Cosgrove/Fish & Game NZ

CSIFG staff have helped hunters out by building carefully selected, purpose-designed hunting stands at Wainono Wetland Reserve to maximise the hunter's opportunities for success.

All ballot winners need to do is go and check out their site pre-season, see what work is required to get it ready for Opening Weekend and then all they need to do is turn up to enjoy some premium hunting.

Fish & Game manage trout, salmon and game birds to provide healthy recreation for Kiwis. They work to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years.

For more information, click here.

To learn more, watch a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrpc8CLry10