Ist may Opening of Duck season in New Zealand

[Euan]

the 1st saturday in may is almost as big a day as Christmas here in New Zealand. I just shot my first Duck Opening for 14 or 15 years. had a very enjoyable day. The day was clear, calm and not a cloud in the sky. So not Ideal conditions for Duck hunting. They were flying high and not big numbers. But we managed to call a few into our pond in one's and two's. i took my old Pedersoli percussion side by side 12 bore. first time i've used Bismouth, so was a little apprehensive. But it preformed fine, with 1 shot a good 35 yards that folded up a nice mallard drake. the load i used for the day was 3 drams 2f of our local NZ made Holy Smoke Blackpowder , 4 card wads 2 mil thick, then 1 1/4 oz Bismouth No4 shot, then standard overshot wad on top.
Hopefully I can load a photo or two of the we pond etc.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Excellent. Looks to be a smashing spot there.

 

[Patocazador]

I love duck hunting but got too old for all the work and time involved ... plus my retriever died recently.

The ducks in your photo appear to be ducks related to mallards but some show a black bill and a speckled appearance. Will you fill me in on the species?

 

[deermanok]

Congrats on a good hunt.

 

[Euan]

I love duck hunting but got too old for all the work and time involved ... plus my retriever died recently.

The ducks in your photo appear to be ducks related to mallards but some show a black bill and a speckled appearance. Will you fill me in on the species?

They are Mallards. But a lot have interbreed with our Grey Duck.

 

[appalichian hunter]

You had me perplexed there with the opener for duck season, but then realized you guys are going into your winter.