Duck hunting season opens this Saturday when more than 40,000 passionate duck hunters are expected to head off to their maimai to enjoy this highlight of the hunting calendar.

Duck shooting season starts this weekend.

The season can run up to three months, depending on the region, and for the majority of participants it's a good opportunity to bag a few of the 4.5 million mallard ducks that populate New Zealand's ponds and wetlands.

However, each year the careless use of shotguns and risky behaviour potentially leads to non-intentional firearms incidents, says Tracy Wakeford, acting firearms and hunter safety programme manager for the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

Injuries can be minor but tragically there have been a number of fatal incidents in recent years.

'The message, is that all incidents can be avoided if duck hunters maintain responsible shooting behaviours and follow the seven basic and common sense rules of the Firearms Safety Code,” she says.

Tracy says alcohol should be avoided if hunting.

'It's fine to have a drink or two when all the guns are safely stored away, but those hunters who choose to imbibe alcohol or drugs prior to or during shooting, put themselves and others at risk.

'Not only is mixing alcohol and firearms extremely unsafe, it is also illegal and in breach of rule seven of the Firearms Safety Code. Remember, it's also myth that a tot of rum or brandy will keep you warm on a frosty morning. In fact, alcohol decreases body temperature and increases the risk of hypothermia.

'Ensure you take heed of warning labels on any medication whether prescribed or over the counter as some products can make you drowsy or slow your mental and physical reactions. Talk to your medical professional for advice if you are concerned,” says Tracy.

Many shotgun injuries are caused by a carelessness and complacency. Tracy says maintaining a safe muzzle direction is especially critical when using the safety catch with a semi-automatic shotgun.

'Remember safety catches are mechanical devices and can malfunction so whether it's loaded or unloaded (safety catch on or not) never ever point a firearm at yourself or anyone else. Make sure you have the safety catch checked by a qualified gunsmith prior to the season opening.”

Firearms users should always unload their shotgun completely before leaving their hunting area. Injuries and deaths have occurred when firearms have discharged accidentally while being transported in a vehicle, during cleaning or when shooters move from one hunting area to another.

'At the end of the day make sure those in your hunting party lay off the booze, moderate the social activity and follow the Firearms Safety Code to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable season.”