A "near perfect storm" of conditions is predicted for the opening day of the duck-shooting season in Otago tomorrow, although Mother's Day falling on the same weekend was a "cruel twist".
Duck-shooting opening was arguably the most important "boys' weekend" of the year, Fish and Game Otago operations manager Ian Hadland said.
"The overlap ... is a bit of a cruel twist for dedicated hunters."
The 2001 duck-shooting season opening day was expected to attract more than 40,000 hunters nationwide.
The weather forecast indicated drizzle turning to southerlies and rain was expected for the weekend - "ideal conditions" for most hunters as it kept the birds low and on the move, he said.
"With the addition of plenty of birds in the region, this should swing the balance firmly in favour of the hunters on opening day."
Wet spring and summer conditions meant good survival rates for young broods of ducks, so many were around, especially in the lowland areas of coastal Otago.
"Recent rain has distributed the birds more evenly about and away from the larger ... water and grain areas."
In Central Otago, there were also many game birds because of the wet summer, he said.
"This should all lead to a better than average season for Otago hunters."
Rangers would be out throughout the region, particularly at large, open water sites, with an eye out for two banned practices - shooting before the 7am start time and shooting at birds too far way, or "sky-busting", he said.
This year's duck-shooting season was shaping up to be a good one, with a wet season providing plenty of water for North Otago and South Canterbury shooters, Central South Island Fish and Game Council officer Graeme Hughes, of Kurow, said.
"The region has been surprisingly damp and the countryside has never looked so good. Rivers are looking good, with excellent flows, and wetlands are fully recharged," he said.
For most hunters, water levels on their hunting grounds were at an optimum, with some complaining of too much water.
The long-term weather forecast for opening weekend also augurs well - rain and low cloud predicted for tomorrow with showers on Sunday.
For Waitaki River duck shooters, there had been an upheaval affecting the known islands and backwaters, with many well-established duck-shooting areas destroyed by the high flows released in December, January and February. Many hunters will have scouted out alternative hunting spots on the river.
Lake Wainono, east of Waimate, was high and at that level usually breached to the sea at the Waihao Box.
A breach to the sea would be critical for the many duck shooters who used the large coastal lagoon.
If it occurred too close to opening day, the lake would drain and not refill, and boat access to the many permanent hides might not be possible.
The duck-shooting regulations for the central South Island region remain the same as for the 2010 season.
