Duck-shooters prefer cold fronts and storms with high winds and rain, because it changes duck behaviour, forcing them to move, break their cautious habits and fly lower, which brings them into shooting range.
MetService meteorologist Paris Marshall said a large high-pressure system would sit over the country during the weekend, bringing sunny weather, with temperatures in the mid to high teens — positively balmy for May.
In fact, rain is not expected across the southern regions until early Wednesday morning next week.
Despite the weather forecast for opening weekend, Fish & Game New Zealand chief operating officer Richie Cosgrove said the season as a whole was shaping up to be a good one.
Conditions across Otago over the past spring and summer had been positive for duck production.
The grey-mallard harvest per hour last year was the highest since 2013, and paradise shelduck moult counts were the highest on record, which boded well for good numbers of waterfowl, he said.
In Southland, the season was shaping up to be fairly typical.
Monitoring data indicated both mallard and paradise shelduck populations were in line with long-term averages, and 2026 numbers were neither particularly high nor low.
Mr Cosgrove said the weather in recent months had been ‘‘difficult’’ for many New Zealanders, but those conditions meant plenty of water across the landscape, which benefited ducks.
‘‘The increased rainfall has replenished wetlands, ponds and waterways across many regions, giving waterfowl more habitat to feed and roost.
‘‘Every year, we see hunters come from all walks of life, heading out for opening weekend, and the excitement in communities up and down the country is definitely building.
‘‘There is nothing quite like getting out into the wild with people you care about and coming home with wild kai for the table.’’
He said opening weekend was expected to draw about 60,000 shooters nationwide. Fish & Game rangers, with support from police and the Firearms Safety Authority, would be active across all regions, checking compliance.
‘‘Make sure you’ve got your game bird licence, that you’re familiar with the regulations and bag limits for your region, and always follow the firearms safety rules.’’
