Hawke's Bay hunters have experienced varying degrees of success during the opening weekend of duck shooting season.
Rivers to Ranges owner Jeremy Hanaray says some shot well while others struggled and attributes weather conditions for the slow start.
"Ideally we would have had wet and windy weather so the ducks fly low, but it was fine and calm which gave the birds the edge," he said. The dry conditions also meant that water bodies were low.
"Some guys had a bit more water to work with, our lakes' water level was lower than usual, and there was also a bit of fog about."
Jeremy says the social aspect of hunting is the most enjoyable.
"Though the weather conditions were not ideal, it's still a great weekend to spend time with friends and family," he said.
Fish & Game Eastern Region Manager Andy Garrick echoed Jeremy's analysis of opening weekend, saying the weather had "gone against hunters". He firmly believed that prospects would improve later in the season however, with more favourable weather conditions.
"I am very optimistic we will end up with a better season than we have had in recent years," Mr Garrick said.
Fish & Game rangers have been out in force around the country, sometimes in combined operations with police, to check that hunters were abiding by bag limits and other regulations.
Hawke's Bay Fish & Game regional manager Pete McIntosh says from all accounts compliance over the weekend was very good.
"We could have a record number of licences sold in the bay this year," Mr McIntosh said.