2026 | Annual Goose Shoot – Waitangi Weekend

About this hunt:

This event is limited to 50 shooters. Your spot is not allocated until payment is received. Be in quick, payment is required at time of registration.

The Upper Clutha Branch are once again running a culling program that will benefit the Tiaki Maniototo Water Catchment Group and farmers in the Upper Taieri River by shooting feral Greylag geese with the assistance of NZDA members. We have a minimum of 12 farms and DoC conservation estate to shoot over. This email has been sent to all South Island NZDA members and the opportunity is also available to those North Island Branches who are willing to travel. In February 2023,  24 shooters from southern branches accounted for in excess of 1100 birds over 2 days. In February 2024 42 shooters dealt to 2320 birds.

February ‘25 and 45 shooters accounted for the lesser number of 1512 birds which can be attributed to a number of reasons – the hot conditions, hard, dry ground and earlier hunting pressure resulting in the decamp of some birds to a more favourable environment.

We are ground shooting domestic geese and promoting the NZDA to all the farmers of the Maniototo, therefore safe, responsible behaviour and good ethics are expected to ensure we get invited back next year and years to follow.

NZDA Membership is essential for insurance purposes, no dogs are permitted (no exceptions)and Firearms Licences are mandatory

Participation during hunting is restricted to shooters only. No observers, supporters, partners unless they are financial members, licenced and actively shooting. It is important that we maximise the shooting opportunities but recognise that some tolerance needs to be made for traveling time. We prefer to host shooters that will participate in every session. If you can’t, please confirm your availability at the time of registration to assist us with the forward planning of team rosters. 

High vis gear will be required – conditions may be wet and muddy. Be prepared to wade wet – waders are not appropriate because there is a bit of walking required and mobility is critical.

ATVs are NOT allowed, however 4wd buggies are acceptable.

Fish and game have approved the use of lead for the culling BUT absolutely NO water fowl to be shot.

Location:

263 Puketoi Runs Road, Pateroa

Take the Puketoi Road west from Patearoa. After 10km, at the T intersection turn left onto Puketoi Runs Road. At 263 Puketoi Runs Road turn left and follow NZDA signs through the internal farm road network to the campsite. Please travel at no more than 10kph as this is an operational dairy farm.

What to bring:

We are hiring a BBQ for you to cook your food on and a Portaloo.

We prefer that all shooters are domiciled in the hunting campsite established for that purpose rather than stay in off-site accommodation. This will enable more efficient shooter management, movements and timekeeping and create a more inclusive atmosphere and environment that will encourage networking and personal interaction. 

There is a stream nearby for washing and swimming – bring your own drinking water and hydration requirements.

Shooting is limited to shotguns – the preferred shot size is #2’s, lead or steel, and #3’s will do at a pinch – bring plenty. We have a Fish and Game exemption to use lead, but absolutely no other waterfowl species are to be shot.

Contact Number:

Contact either of the following for information and questions.

• Corry Walker 0274886601
• Scott Gillam 027 666 2928
• Murray Burns 02102356147

Attendees:

You can see a list of confirmed attendees at the bottom of this page, however A list of Attendees will be sent out so you can arrange car pooling with your mates.

Event briefing:

We will hold a zoom meeting to discuss as a group the briefing, details for this will be sent in an email once you have registered.

Timeline overview:

An afternoon session will be held on Friday 6^th if arrival numbers justify it. A formal briefing will follow as normal at 7pm. Morning and afternoon hunting sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday with a break for lunch. The camp will break up and disburse at the end of the Sunday afternoon session. We prefer that everybody sticks around until then to make the most of shooting time but acknowledge that those with distances to travel home will want to leave earlier. We want to minimise the impact this will have on the shooting sessions and ask that you keep us well informed of your intentions.