Thread: Waikato News

Originally Posted by Fitzy

Interesting points Tim. For clarity I don't think I'm saying harvest has no affect on population, just that it has not been the root cause of the pop decline in A/W over the past 10 years. Based on anecdotal comments from several shooters whom I respect it would seem probable that the pop level has now dropped to a point where hunter harvest could have a detrimental affect on the ability of the population to recover. On that basis regulation changes to reduce hunter harvest should be supported.

No one has yet explained the logic of banning pond feeding in the middle of what could be the worst drought in 50 years - how does this assist the duck population? Why has the A/W council not had the balls to reconsider this decision?
In reality banning pond feeding is just an example of mis guided socialism and smacks of the petty jealousies which affect so many of this councils decisions.

I don't think feeding is banned just shooting over a fed pond I'd imagine. The problem with feeding is luring alot of ducks into a defined area. I can take or leave pond feeding.

One of my theories (an I have many) is that flappy ducks are particularly harsh on young birds. I think we are taking out a much greater % of young than we ever did. Over a number of years I think there is the potential for an aging duck population to become less productive. I have used the analogy before of a farmer killing off all the ewe lambs. No replacements and eventually no breeding.

Originally Posted by Tim Allen

I don't think feeding is banned just shooting over a fed pond I'd imagine. The problem with feeding is luring alot of ducks into a defined area. I can take or leave pond feeding.

One of my theories (an I have many) is that flappy ducks are particularly harsh on young birds. I think we are taking out a much greater % of young than we ever did. Over a number of years I think there is the potential for an aging duck population to become less productive. I have used the analogy before of a farmer killing off all the ewe lambs. No replacements and eventually no breeding.

so would you think a drake heavy limit might help as opossed to our self imposed one??for say the last month[2months for those with 3 month seasons], of the season ??
it would get the shooters out of the road in the first month then the hunters can concentrate on bieng just that.

Originally Posted by gsp follower

so would you think a drake heavy limit might help as opossed to our self imposed one??for say the last month[2months for those with 3 month seasons], of the season ??
it would get the shooters out of the road in the first month then the hunters can concentrate on bieng just that.

I don't know if it would help. I don't think it would be a bad thing. I practice shooting mainly drakes myself. I think it would be great if those in positions to influence peoples attitudes and actions embraced a culture of selective moderate hunting.

Well I'm away for a few days. Anyone else heading into the hills have a good safe time. Best of luck.