Thread: Lets talk about Pukeko hunting.

I have hunted most small pests in NZ for ages and I know there are little tips and tricks for each species, lets hear them for Pooks.

To get off on the right foot.. Yes I have permits to cull Pukekos, and they are cunning little buggers so I am all ears when it comes to how other people hunt them successfully.

I am getting some success, 8 of them tonight, but I cant help but feel they are outsmarting me. I have tried shooting them at night with torches in the past and found their beautiful black feathers are pretty much akin to a black hole when it comes to absorbing light and their eyes don't really give off a shine either. I have tried trapping them with mild success but I think this will work better in colder months or when there is not so much feed around for them. The most success I am getting is afternoon/evening shooting but they seem to know where they can sit and not be shot at (neighboring properties or in front of houses etc).

The permit restrictions forbid baiting, calling or decoying.

Sometimes when one is shot the others will come to its aid which is handy, but other times they will not.

What time of day do you find best?

Is there a whistle or noise that will stop them running away (like rabbits/hares)?

Does thermal work when they are roosted or do the feathers stop the heat signature?

Pook pics welcome.

Cheers