About 60,000 duck hunters are expected to head out to maimai across the country for opening weekend on May 2.

New analysis of ACC injury claims shows nearly 60% of last season’s duck‑hunting injuries occurred on opening weekend, when the highest number of hunters were in the field.

Of the 39 injuries recorded during the season, 23 happened on opening weekend, including 12 involving firearms.

The remaining injuries were mostly the result of slips, trips and falls in or around maimai.

“We know hunters take safety seriously and are using firearms responsibly,” Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley said.

“However, maimai around the motu will be busy on opening weekend with everyone keen to bag a duck. Things can happen quickly, and that can lead to avoidable mistakes.”

MSC is urging hunters to take extra care by confirming their firing zones, maintaining control of their shotgun at all times, communicating clearly with others in the maimai, and saving alcohol until after the shoot when all firearms have been safely stowed away.

Following the seven Firearms Safety Rules is critical to ensuring a safe season, Daisley said.

“Firearms incidents are entirely avoidable if you follow the seven Firearms Safety Rules.

“This is especially important in a maimai, where there is limited space and often more than one person using a firearm at the same time. We want hunters to make the right memories this duck season.”

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority is also stressing the importance of having a clear plan in busy maimai.

Director of communities and corporate Mike McIlraith recommends putting one person in charge of overseeing firearm safety.

“Our message is simple: keep your ducks in a row,” McIlraith said.

“That means agreeing on a plan so everyone knows what to do before the first ducks arrive. Remember to treat every firearm as loaded and always point it in a safe direction. When shotguns are not in use, make sure they are unloaded and placed in a rest or holder.”

Hunters are also being reminded to protect their hearing, particularly in confined spaces.

“Hearing loss is a very real risk for hunters, especially in a maimai,” McIlraith said.

“Make sure everyone has some form of hearing protection.”

Duck hunting is increasingly becoming a family activity, and Fish & Game New Zealand is encouraging experienced hunters to pass on safety knowledge to the next generation.

“When I visit maimai on opening day, I see more and more families enjoying the experience together,” Fish & Game chief operating officer Richie Cosgrove said.

“Grandparents and parents are teaching the next generation how to harvest their own food, behave safely in and around a maimai, and handle firearms responsibly. It’s a lot of fun, but these are important lessons that stay with you for life.”

The seven Firearms Safety Rules

-Treat every firearm as loaded

-Always point firearms in a safe direction

-Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire

-Identify your target beyond all doubt

-Check your firing zone

-Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely

-Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms