As a teenager in the 1970s, Linda Lees was fascinated by the maimai in the Maungatapu Estuary.

'Back then you could see heaps of maimai when you travelled between Tauranga and the Mount – and I used to think it would be a neat experience to be out there at duck shooting time,” says Linda.

Decades later, and thanks to friend Rodger McDowell, Linda is to do just that.

Kade Wurster of Loaded NZ taught Linda Lees to handle and shoot a firearm safely, in preparation for her first-ever duck shooting experience.

'I happened to mention to Rodger that I'd love to learn to shoot a gun, and to go duck shooting, and I was thrilled when Rodger said he'd give me the opportunity,” says the Tauranga Bayleys residential real estate agent.

But Rodger, who Linda describes as a hunter-gatherer from way back, made one stipulation. First, Linda had to learn to handle and fire a gun safely.

'I thought the best thing to do was take Linda to Loaded NZ in Pyes Pa, where she could learn in a safe environment.”

At Loaded NZ, New Zealand's largest shooting field, Linda was instructed by Kade Wurster.

'I can't speak highly enough of the professionalism of Kade and everyone at Loaded NZ and the time Kade took to coach Linda,” says Rodger.

'She is naturally left-handed but he assessed that her right eye is dominant, so had her shooting comfortably and accurately with her right hand.”

Linda is also impressed with the tuition she received. 'I had to listen and concentrate hard; but found if I did exactly as Kade told me to, I could hit the clay birds.”

Several of Linda's friends have now expressed an interest in learning to shoot, but Rodger says Linda will be the first to accompany him duck shooting this season.

'I'm pleased to see women taking an interest in the sport and I've always been keen to encourage others to take part,” says Rodger.

'I was given the opportunity as a youngster – and that got me interested in hunting – so I'm keen to pass that on.”

Linda is excited at the prospect of opening morning in a maimai.

'I don't even mind if I don't get a shot. I think I'm privileged Rodger has even invited me to be there.”