Thread: Too many pukekos

Hi - completely new to this site but looking for advice on an effective but reasonably priced gun, to control a vast growing tribe (30+) of pukekos.
Vege garden already being attacked, ducklings vanishing and we want to get chooks but not keen until pukekos are under control.

Any cheap shotty will do the job.

Originally Posted by Damn_blue_birds

Hi - completely new to this site but looking for advice on an effective but reasonably priced gun, to control a vast growing tribe (30+) of pukekos.
Vege garden already being attacked, ducklings vanishing and we want to get chooks but not keen until pukekos are under control.

You need a license to shoot pukekos if you want to stay legal. Assuming you don't have a firearms license, then your starting point is a spring air rifle.

Pooks are partially protected and normally only allowed to be shot during the duck shooting season, while in flight, and only with a shotgun. But you can get a permit to control them outside the season and with other methods (e.g rifle) if specified on the permit. @Mintie is probably the man with all the answers.

26th/27th Feb is black swan and pukeko weekend in most areas I believe. just need game license day ones are available

Pm me, can offer some advice.

Found that a 17 Hornet really does the job, and gives you options at extended ranges too. The 20gn projectile is very frangible, so bullet passthrough and ricochets are not really a thing.

A call or email to Fish and Game will get you started on getting a "Authority to Disturb" permit. The permit is valid for a specified address and rifle caliber, which you will need to specify. It normally has a daily limit too.

You have certain concessions as a landowner, but think you are still constrained to a shotgun, and shooting the birds in flight. The permit is easy to get, and ensures you are playing within the law.