b'HUNTING This works well as we get a few more birds for the tally and after lunch we will then return to the maimai for the late arvo and into evening period.We will do the same on Sunday morning and if it is quieter than Saturday, which often it is, we will pack up early and head back to have a late brunch and then get ready for the afternoon and plan B.PLAN BWe swap gumboots for hiking boots and lighter kit to get walking as this is where we borrow my uncles gun dog Ruby and head to scrubby gullies on farms, coastal dune country and pine forestry to hunt pheasant.The pheasant population numbers seemed to have exploded in Northland in recent years and we are confident that we will find a few feeding in the afternoon sun.Having hunted more for pheasant than any other game bird around Dargaville, I know many places where they like to live and have access to these areas on private property.Pheasant are masters of surprise, and you need a good gun dog to flush them.It is funny but I have caught plenty out on the first weekend of The writer will set up a blindshooting in May as they arent yet street on chicory or maize afterwise, having not been chased by hunters opening weekend. since the end of the season last year.A brace of ducks shot with the Winchester SX4 early on opening morning.86FISHING IN GODZONE MAY/JUNE 2022'