'Make the right memories': Duck hunters urged to stay safe this weekend

With roughly 60,000 hunters expected to head out to maimai across the country, the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding enthusiasts that the opening weekend is the highest-risk period of the season. While most hunters enjoy the tradition without incident, the combination of early mornings, cold weather, and crowded hides can be a recipe for disaster.

The risks in the maimai

Mountain Safety Council CEO Mike Daisley said that while the number of injuries have trended down over the last decade, around 30 to 40 serious incidents still occur during the main opening weekend.

"Things tend to happen quite quickly," he explained. "The ducks aren’t exactly lining up... so when they do appear, things can get quite intense quite quickly."

MSC analysis of ACC claims showed that last season, 23 of the 39 total injuries happened during the opening weekend. While firearm safety is the primary concern, the majority of injuries are actually caused by the environment itself - slips, trips, and falls in the damp, cramped conditions of a hunting hide.

Keeping your ducks in a row

Daisley emphasised that patience and preparation are just as important as marksmanship.

"One small error - a slip or slide, or knocking a firearm in the corner - can have tragic consequences," he added.

In a joint safety message with Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority and Fish & Game New Zealand, the MSC is urging hunters to stick to the core firearms safety rules.

Key safety tips for the weekend:

• Treat every firearm as loaded: Always assume the weapon is live, regardless of the situation.

• Chamber only when ready: Only load the cartridge when you are prepared to fire.

• Identify your zone: In the tight confines of a maimai, knowing your firing zone is critical.

• Patience is key: Don't let the intensity of the moment lead to a rushed mistake.

• Lock the liquor cabinet: Save the alcohol for the end of the day once all firearms are safely stowed away.

"We want hunters to make the right memories this duck season," Daisley said.