Rearing and releasing programmes
8.1 Introduction
Rearing and releasing programmes are often viewed as a quick fix solution to creating more ducks.
To date, both internationally and in the Waikato results have been mixed.
In general harvest rates
are low for captive-reared ducks released into the wild. In the Waikato results have varied from less
than 1% in a wetland area to 22% on Matingarahi Station where a concerted effort was made to
feed the birds and control predators. In addition, captive-reared mallards have typically been shot
on the property where they were released, and thus the returns are highly localised.
Releasing programmes have been controversial in North America and the latest review conducted by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advocates for a tightening of conditions around the release of captive
reared mallards in the U.S. The major concerns in the review relates to the potential for disease
transmission, genetic introgression and compliance with harvest regulations. However, the wider
issues pertaining to the release of captive-reared mallards are beyond the scope of this discussion
paper.
8.2 What is Fish & Game doing?
Permits to release captive-reared waterfowl are the responsibility of the Department of
Conservation, and thus there is no statutory requirement for Fish & Game to be involved with or
even notified of any such releases.OUCH
8.1 Future management options for Fish & Game
1 Fish & Game should support the banding of captive reared birds by offering to band all captive reared
ducks at no cost.[WHY WHEN THEY SEEM TO KNOW THE IN,S AND OUTS ALREADY? WOULDNT THE TIME AND MONEY BE BETTER SPENT ON IMPROVING THE LESS CASHED UP HUNTERS LOT AFTER ALL ITS THEM THAT BUY THE BULK OF LICENCES]
In future year’s survival and harvest rates information can be used to
draw sound conclusions surrounding the effectiveness of such programmes which can help
determine future management actionsIT WOULS SEEM CONCLUSIONS ARE ALREADY OBVIOUS
[.In addition, captive-reared mallards have typically been shot
on the property where they were released, and thus the returns are highly localised]
At this juncture large scale releases of captive-reared
mallards into the wild do not appear to be a cost effective tool for increasing hunter harvest.
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