Latest news with #OpeningWeekend
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Hunters Across The Country Get Set For Opening Weekend For Game Bird Season
Tens of thousands of Kiwis from the Far North to the Deep South are preparing for the start of the 2025 game bird season this Saturday (May 3). Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan said a strong breeding season has set the stage for an exciting Opening Weekend for hunters. "We know the anticipation is building in communities nationwide as hunters gear up for the big day. Opening Weekend is a popular event on the calendar for New Zealanders from all walks of life." Jordan, who will join Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager at a maimai in Otago on Saturday, says New Zealand offers a wide range of hunting opportunities beyond just the Opening Weekend. "New Zealand is a haven for game bird hunters, offering more than just the Opening Weekend. Hunters in many parts of the country have the opportunity to go game bird hunting all through winter. "As much as game bird hunting is about the challenge, it's also about the camaraderie with friends and family, the connection to nature, and the valued tradition of hunting, which has been passed down through generations. "There's nothing quite like the feeling of standing alongside fellow hunters on Opening Weekend and the opportunity to provide wild, sustainable food for family, friends, and communities up and down the country." The forecast for the Opening Weekend shows cloudy skies and mild temperatures across many regions, says Jordan. "While the dry summer had raised concerns for game bird hunters in some parts of the country, recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief. This should lift the spirits of the approximately 60,000 hunters heading out this weekend. "We also want to thank those farmers who are generously opening their farms to hunters -- many of whom are hunters themselves. Their support helps ensure that the tradition of game bird hunting continues." Game bird hunting regional wrap Region Details Northland Region In the last two weeks of April, some areas of Northland received three times the average expected rainfall for the month. Heavy and persistent falls have landed on much of the region's east coast, causing widespread flooding. The west coast has been less affected but has still received some rain. This has been a relief for some who have had their wetlands and duck ponds replenished after a long dry spell but it is a cause for frustration for others. Hunters that have been feeding ponds may find that the ducks have dispersed around the floodplains to take advantage of the floodwater and the abundance of protein rich food that it brings. Many hunters are also unable to reach their maimai due to floodwater submerging their access tracks and, in some cases, their entire maimai. Whether the floodwater will subside by the weekend will depend on how much rain remains to fall. Opening Weekend is forecast to be fine and sunny, although a reasonable wind on Saturday will help keep the ducks moving. Hunting prospects are expected to be reasonable this season. Mallard/grey numbers look good, although there is likely to be a higher proportion of adults and fewer juveniles than last year, considering that the dry spring period will have resulted in lower-than-usual juvenile recruitment. Paradise duck numbers remain high, and with an increased bag limit of 25 birds, there will be an opportunity for some exciting hunting and taking home lean protein. Swan numbers are significantly lower than in previous years due to the large population from Lake Ōmāpere dispersing, with many leaving the region. Shoveler numbers remain stable, and pūkeko are as prevalent as ever. Upland game numbers are good this season and will provide an excellent opportunity to add some diversity to hunting activities and get more value out of the licence purchase with the longer season that is offered for pheasant and quail. Hunters that adapt to the change in conditions will do well this Opening Weekend. Those hunters whose maimai is unreachable are encouraged to hunt the margins of floodwater on or near the main flight lines of the river systems. Tactics normally used mid and late season -- such as scouting for shallow floodwater and bird concentrations, will pay off -- particularly for evening hunting. Fish & Game rangers will be out both days and look forward to seeing hunters enjoying the great tradition that is opening weekend. Eastern region The Opening Weekend weather is looking promising for hunters in the Eastern Region. Given the forecast, the region predicts that Opening Weekend bags should be similar to last year. Eastern Council has decided to increase the season length for the 2025 mallard, grey, and shoveler duck season to six weeks, providing keen hunters with an additional opportunity. Paradise shelduck and black swan populations are on par with the last few years and pukeko are plentiful. Upland game hunting should be better than last year. Rangers will be out and about checking hunters' bags and will be accompanied by police and Firearms Safety Authority staff in areas. Hawke's Bay region With a good amount of rain forecast in the days leading up to opening day, windy, cold conditions for Saturday and Sunday, and a good chance of more rain on Saturday morning, the prospects are good for Opening Weekend. There are good numbers of mallards and high numbers of paradise ducks; the rain should help keep the birds flying, the wind should keep them from flying straight out to sea, and the cold weather should make them hungry -- maximising hunting opportunities for all hunters, particularly those who have put in good pre-season work. The upland prospects are looking equally good. The local Fish & Game team has seen good numbers of Quail and Pheasants on river margins and in forested areas, no doubt helped by a large number of donated cock pheasants released after last year's upland season and the great breeding season with no major rain events, minimising juvenile mortality. We expect a good season with game birds in great condition. We wish all licence holders a happy and successful season while reminding them to carry their hunting licence and read and comply with the regulations. Taranaki region Summer drought periods have finally broken with recent rainfall, which has been happily received throughout the region. As water returns to ponds and wetlands that have been dry or at a low ebb over summer, birds will be congregating in these areas to feed on concentrations of worms and bugs. Recent trend counts have shown gamebird numbers are strong throughout Taranaki, Wanganui and the Waimarino. As we head into the wetter months and water starts to accumulate in paddocks of maise stubble and newly sown grass, productive hunts can be had, particularly for paradise shelduck, which, according to January moult counts, are currently in record-high numbers throughout the Taranaki ring plain. As a result of these higher numbers, the bag limit has been increased from 10 to 15 shelduck for opening weekend in Area C, with the rest of the season returning to the usual 10 birds. Recent monitoring has shown that mallard, black swan, and pūkeko populations remain stable in good numbers, providing plenty of hunting opportunities. The weather forecast is a mixed bag for the weekend, with sun and clear skies forecast from Saturday onwards, with strong southerly winds that ease on Sunday. Nelson Marlborough region The regions mallard monitoring programme indicates numbers in the Marlborough area are up 20 percent the average. Also the regions paradise shelduck numbers are very v strong in the Tasman and Golden Bay area. This bodes well for hunters in the region in the coming months. West Coast region West Coast game bird populations are in excellent shape. A wet spring provided ideal breeding conditions, leading to strong duckling and chick survival rates. Recent monitoring confirms that mallards, grey ducks, paradise shelducks, pūkeko, shoveler, and black swans are all in healthy numbers across the region. Though summer has been dry, the strong start to the breeding season means bird numbers remain high. Waterfowl have adapted to the changing conditions, with many concentrating around the most reliable water sources. This makes preseason scouting crucial, as identifying where birds are feeding and roosting offers hunters the best chance of success. Farm ponds and spring-fed creeks are often key feeding areas, while wetlands, riverbeds, and estuaries are expected to continue holding significant numbers of roosting birds. North Canterbury region Hunters in North Canterbury should have plenty of opportunities this opening weekend. This week's rain, however, will disperse birds by providing plenty of new habitat for the ducks to feed on so be prepared to move around to hunt your ducks. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, regarded as one of New Zealand's Waterfowlers' bucket list hunting locations is looking fantastic. The Lake will be opened to the sea in the coming weeks, but it is at a perfect level for opening weekend. Elsewhere in the region, duck numbers are good following a mild summer, and with a three-month-long season, hunters will have lots of opportunities to hunt over the coming weeks. Central South Island region Overall, the relatively wet summer on the Plains and foothills has set up water levels nicely at hunting ponds; however, further inland, it has been much drier. Central South Island Fish & Game's game bird population surveys suggest that, in general, the relatively wet summer on the Canterbury Plains has supported a productive breeding season, which bodes well for the 2025 season. A Canterbury Plains survey of mallard duck and paradise shelduck population undertaken in March observed healthy numbers -- the third highest count since records began for mallard duck and the highest on record for paradise shelduck. Annual population monitoring shows black swan numbers are currently high in the Wainono Lagoon area and the Mackenzie Basin. The Central South Island Region game bird season is open until July 27th for waterfowl species: mallard duck, grey duck, NZ shoveller duck, black swan and pūkeko. Otago region Game bird hunters across the Otago region are gearing up for what looks to be an encouraging start to the 2025 season. Despite a change in monitoring approach this year, Otago Fish & Game officers are optimistic about duck numbers throughout the region following favourable breeding conditions. Anecdotal reports from across the region suggest promising populations in multiple areas. Reports from South Otago and West Otago note substantial bird numbers, while good numbers have been observed in the Taieri and the Maniototo areas. Five ranger teams will be checking compliance at both private and public hunting locations across Otago on Opening Weekend. Hunters are reminded to make firearms safe, present game bird licences when requested and follow rangers' instructions. Wellington region A period of settled conditions across the lower North Island will come to an abrupt end just in time for the start of the season with rain and a strong southerly moving through late on Friday. While Opening Weekend weather looks a little calmer - cloudy with showers and westerlies - the forecast big southerly system will certainly stir birds up and get them moving for Opening Day, which is excellent news for hunters in the lower North Island. Our recent aerial trend counts for mallards in the Wellington Fish & Game region reveal a strong population, with higher numbers recorded in both the Wairarapa plains and Manawatu areas than this time last year. Large congregations of birds have been observed on small ponds and dams near recently harvested maize crops. The later-than-normal harvest means there is plenty of crop still to come in, and this will likely have kept ducks localised. Good numbers of mallards have also been holding on the big water, such as Lake Wairarapa, and loafing on the larger rivers in the region, like the Manawatu. Southland Region The Southland region is expecting a strong season this year. The spring breeding season was productive, with favourable conditions leading to higher duckling survival. This has resulted in a good number of younger birds in the population, which are generally easier to hunt. Southland Fish & Game has recently completed pre-season mallard monitoring flights. While some areas, particularly Northern Southland, showed higher counts, mallard numbers across the region are sitting around the long-term average. This is good news for hunters, as it points to a typical Southland season with steady numbers, plenty of opportunity, and the prospect of a memorable opening weekend followed by a rewarding season overall. At this stage, the forecast is pointing toward still, calm conditions.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Opening weekend: Torpedo bats take over Bronx and internet + Sasaki's concerning start
Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz recap all the action from Opening Weekend in MLB including the two diving into the "torpedo bats" that helped the Yankees mash homers over the weekend and spark debate across the baseball world. Jake explains the origins of the torpedo bats and how players on the Yankees embraced them heading into the season. He also explains why they're totally legal and not a cheat code. Jordan believes the bats represent hitters finally embracing new technology to combat pitchers who've been ahead of the curve in recent years. Advertisement After torpedo talk the two recap the rest of the series around baseball, including the Padres getting the first 'mop' of the year in their four game sweep of Atlanta. The two also discuss that despite the Dodgers dominance over the Tigers there should be real concern about Rōki Sasaki's starts so far. (1:30) - The Opener: Torpedo bats take over bronx and internet (3:50) - Torpedo bats 101: What are they? Who came up with them? Why now? (23:20) - First MOP of the year: Padres sweep Atlanta in 4-game series (28:00) - Dodgers dominate Tigers: But is Roki's second start a cause for concern? Advertisement (38:40) - Emergency Uggla: Wilson Contreas eats his batting tape in a panic move (49:00) - Turbo mode: Jake and Jordan recap the rest of the series on Opening Weekend [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2025 MLB season] Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz recap all the action from Opening Weekend in MLB including the two diving into the "torpedo bats" that helped the Yankees mash homers over the weekend and spark debate across the baseball world. Jake explains the origins of the torpedo bats and how players on the Yankees embraced them heading into the season. He also explains why they're totally legal and not a cheat code. Jordan believes the bats represent hitters finally embracing new technology to combat pitchers who've been ahead of the curve in recent years. (Photo by New) Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_ 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
Fox Sports
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
How to Watch Rays vs. Pirates: TV Channel & Live Stream
Data Skrive The Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates will meet on Monday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, at 7:05 p.m. ET. Drew Rasmussen will start for Tampa Bay, aiming to shut down Bryan Reynolds and company. Here is everything you need to watch the Rays vs. Pirates matchup. Keep up with MLB on FOX Sports. Check out the top highlights between the Colorado Rockies and the Tampa Bay Rays on Opening Weekend. Rays vs. Pirates Game Information & How to Watch When: Monday, March 31, 2025 at 7:05 p.m. ET Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida TV: Watch on FDSSUN, SportsNet PT Box Score: Fox Sports Rays vs. Pirates Prediction Score Prediction: Rays 4, Pirates 2 Total Prediction: Under 8.5 runs Win Probabilities: Rays 60%, Pirates 40% Rays vs. Pirates Head to Head Date Favorite Spread Total Favorite Moneyline Underdog Moneyline Result 6/23/2024 Pirates -1.5 7.5 -167 +141 3-1 TB 6/22/2024 Pirates -1.5 8.5 -112 -107 4-3 PIT 6/21/2024 Rays -1.5 8.5 -133 +113 10-3 TB 5/4/2023 Rays -1.5 8 -190 +161 3-2 TB 5/3/2023 Rays -1.5 7 -213 +178 8-1 TB 5/2/2023 Rays -1.5 8.5 -163 +139 4-1 TB 6/26/2022 Rays -1.5 6.5 -251 +208 4-2 TB 6/25/2022 Rays -1.5 7 -181 +154 6-5 TB 6/24/2022 Rays -1.5 7 -206 +173 4-3 TB Rays Player Insights Yandy Diaz finished last season with a .281 average and 65 RBI. Brandon Lowe finished with a .473 SLG and 21 homers while driving in 58 runs. Christopher Morel finished with a .196 batting average last season and 21 home runs. Jose Caballero collected 100 hits, posted an OBP of .283 and a .347 SLG. Rays Recent & Upcoming Games Pirates Player Insights Reynolds hit 24 home runs and had 88 runs batted in last season, while racking up a batting average of .275. Oneil Cruz had 34 doubles, three triples, 21 home runs and 51 walks while hitting .259. Andrew McCutchen hit .232 a season ago with 18 doubles, a triple, 20 home runs and 58 walks. Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit .269 with 18 doubles, four triples, eight home runs and 16 walks. Pirates Recent & Upcoming Games Date Opponent Score Pitching Matchup March 27 @ Marlins L 5-4 Paul Skenes vs Sandy Alcantara March 28 @ Marlins W 4-3 Mitch Keller vs Connor Gillispie March 29 @ Marlins L 5-4 Bailey Falter vs Valente Bellozo March 30 @ Marlins - Andrew Heaney vs Max Meyer March 31 @ Rays - Carmen Mlodzinski vs Drew Rasmussen April 1 @ Rays - Paul Skenes vs Shane Baz April 2 @ Rays - Mitch Keller vs Ryan Pepiot April 4 Yankees - Bailey Falter vs TBA April 5 Yankees - TBA vs TBA April 6 Yankees - TBA vs TBA FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Tampa Bay Rays Pittsburgh Pirates recommended
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Operator confirms reopening day of leisure centre
The new operator of a popular leisure centre has confirmed its reopening date. The Sovereign Centre was managed by Eastbourne Borough Council but due to costs, the local authority closed some facilities in the leisure centre while it looked for a new operator. The leisure centre is now under the management of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and says it aims to re-open the Fun Pool on 5 April and has plans for an Opening Weekend event before the Easter school holidays. A spokesperson for GLL said: "Over the next three years we will invest a minimum of £1 million in collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council." The said: "The majority of this will be spent on maintaining and upgrading crucial plant and equipment and on structural issues. "We'll also be restoring areas such as the gym and reception." GLL will also host a number of community engagement sessions this month to discuss its plans for the Sovereign Centre. It adds it will roll out several new offers including membership discounts for concession, junior and senior members, a 10% discount for Eastbourne residents on activity prices and financial and in-kind support to local athletes. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Council to explore 'all further options' for pools Protest over closure of two swimming pools Eastbourne Borough Council
BBC News
04-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Eastbourne: Operator confirms reopening date of Sovereign Centre
The new operator of a popular leisure centre has confirmed its reopening date. The Sovereign Centre was managed by Eastbourne Borough Council but due to costs, the local authority closed some facilities in the leisure centre while it looked for a new leisure centre is now under the management of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and says it aims to re-open the Fun Pool on 5 April and has plans for an Opening Weekend event before the Easter school holidays.A spokesperson for GLL said: "Over the next three years we will invest a minimum of £1 million in collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council." The said: "The majority of this will be spent on maintaining and upgrading crucial plant and equipment and on structural issues. "We'll also be restoring areas such as the gym and reception."GLL will also host a number of community engagement sessions this month to discuss its plans for the Sovereign Centre. It adds it will roll out several new offers including membership discounts for concession, junior and senior members, a 10% discount for Eastbourne residents on activity prices and financial and in-kind support to local athletes.
