Rather than picking up a shotgun himself, Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager joined Fish and Game rangers for the opening day of duck shooting season.

Meager says every hunter he encountered throughout their South Canterbury patrolling was fully compliant, and knew the rules and bag limits.

“Most importantly, they knew how to look after each other and have a good time,” he says.

Last year, animal rights protesters flew drones near hunters at Canterbury lakes. This year, Meager says, those disruptions did not occur in the areas he visited. He says the message had been clear: free speech is welcome, but disrupting legal hunting is not.

“This activity is under a bit of pressure from some of the extreme activists out there.

“By going around and proving that it’s just law-abiding New Zealanders going about their business with their kids, with their mates, with their brothers and sisters – that’s how we’re going to be able to reinforce this activity for years to come.”

Attitude toward Fish and Game rangers in the field was positive, with Meager finding that hunters understand the role rangers play in keeping the season sustainable.

“People are open, they understand what it’s all about. And actually, they appreciated Fish and Game being out on the lake and stirring up the water, and maybe getting the birds moving a little bit as well.”

He says the season is long, so those who came away with a light bag on opening weekend still have plenty of opportunity to add to their tally.