Another warm day here in the hills of gisborne, light frost this morning. Glad opening wasn't this morning here.
So how many years has duck shooting been the first weekend of May?
Another warm day here in the hills of gisborne, light frost this morning. Glad opening wasn't this morning here.
So how many years has duck shooting been the first weekend of May?
Didnt really pay attention to the dates for the first 10 or so years, my excitement was generated by my fathers preparations. But its been the first weekend in May ever since I can recall. The regs have changed a lot over the years though. 25 bird limit down to 20 then 10. 2 shots then up to 5 now down to 3. Paradise ducks were not on the license back then. Decoys were made by cutting out baseboards, glueing cork on the top then sticking heads that you could buy at Tisdales on them. Oar power to get out on the harbour, the rich guys had mainly seagull outboards or early evinrudes/mercury's and if they were in the hunting group they would tow 2-3 boats out if you were lucky. No camo clothing, just wool pants ( green) and a Swandri on top. No ally dinghies, it was clinkerbuilt timber ones that weighed a ton, SXS shotguns were the norm, a few O/U's and Browning semi autos.
Well, it wasnt opening day, but this afternoon more than made up for it.
![]()
It takes 43 muscle's to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger pull.
What more do we need? If we are above ground and breathing the rest is up to us!
Rule 1: Treat every firearm as loaded
Rule 2: Always point firearms in a safe direction
Rule 3: Load a firearm only when ready to fire
Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt
Rule 5: Check your firing zone
Rule 6: Store firearms and ammunition safely
Rule 7: Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms
Bookmarks