Hunters are expected to enjoy a great start to the new game bird hunting season which gets underway this Saturday.

Although moderate to heavy rain has fallen in many areas, bringing favourable weather for hunting, hunters are urged to 'be ready to quickly adapt” to changing conditions.

The game bird hunting season starts this Saturday.

In the North Island, Auckland-Waikato region and Eastern region – which includes the East Coast, Tauranga, Taupo, the Rangitaiki Plains, and Rotorua lakes district – have opted for a four week season in view of mallard numbers.

The season runs for longer in the Wellington region, to June 15, and extends to the end of June for Northland, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki Fish & Game regions.

Fish and Game says reports from around the regions show mallard and grey ducks in healthy numbers.

Senior Fish and Game officer Matthew McDougall says the start of the season could again be tough but perseverance should pay off.

'Smart and adaptable hunters will get the payoff.”

Hunters should be prepared with a ‘Plan B' if their favourite spots are short on ducks at opening, which could involve, for example, checking out ‘big water' spots such as lakes and large rivers.

'Go and find the big water areas where the birds are congregating.”

Matthew says being adaptable may also mean heading into some farm paddocks to target paradise shelduck, going on a pheasant or pukeko hunt, or targeting black swan on some of those big water areas, such as Tauranga Harbour.

Trend count results suggest the black swan and Canada geese populations are as high – if not higher – than they've been for many years in the Bay of Plenty, particularly on Tauranga Harbour and Lake Rotorua.

Prospects are good for the Taranaki region where game bird hunters have been assured of an eight week season and no shortage of birds to target.

Fish and Game communications advisor Andrew Currie says by far the majority of hunters are responsible and do the right thing, as they enjoy a healthy outdoor pursuit with a long history.

'But history tells us that a small minority may try to avoid their responsibilities.

'Police officers will check firearms licences and other lawful behaviour. Depending on the circumstances, offenders risk fines of up to $100,000 and loss of any firearms used and a review of their suitability to hold a firearms licence by Police.”

Andrew says while game bird hunting incidents are rare, it's again worth reminding hunters to take great care while hunting and handling firearms, particularly in enclosed spaces like maimais.

'The other reminder is, of course, to never mix firearms and alcohol. Wait until the end of the day when firearms are locked away before enjoying a drink with hunting mates.”

Hunters are also encouraged to report any banded birds harvested, along with band number, location and date recovered, and their personal details, to help Fish and Game monitor birds and ensure sustainable hunting in future.