Southland

Southland Express

Three firearms were seized by Southland Fish & Game for shooting without a game bird hunting licence during the opening weekend of the three-month season.

Police and Southland Fish & Game conducted a joint compliance operation ensuring hunters were abiding by the law, and rules.

In the first weekend of May, Operation Daffy saw three teams, consisting of one Southland Fish & Game ranger and one police officer, visit a large number of ponds and mai mai across the Western Southland, Eastern Southland, and Invercargill areas.

Police ensured hunters were abiding by the Arms Act 1983, including breath-alcohol levels, while Southland Fish & Game rangers focused on compliance of the game bird regulations under the Wildlife Act 1953, such as relevant licences and the use of non-toxic shot.

Senior Sergeant Peter Graham said in a statement police were pleased that, across the board, compliance levels were high.

Southland Fish & Game senior ranger Josh Tabak said they were encouraged…