Split Reed had the opportunity to chat with globally recognized waterfowler Geoff Irvine. He’s a husband, a father, a working man, and one hell of a goose hunter. Geoff has cut his teeth with over 30 years of field experience, competition calling, call making, and everything in between. His daughter (Holly) has followed right in suit. Holly is phenomenal on a mallard call, and has also got into competition calling. Check out what Geoff had to say.
SR: Where are you at? When and how did you get into waterfowl hunting?
GI: I live in a small town called Richmond, New Zealand. It’s on the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. I got into waterfowling over 30 years ago, an old neighbor of mine was an avid goose hunter, and he took me. I immediately got addicted to it.
SR: What’s your favorite species to target?
GI: Big Canada Geese. In the high country of New Zealand. Its big open country, with lots of mountains and rivers. We only have the giant subspecies of geese. Biggest one I ever harvested was 18.3 lbs.
SR: What’s the story behind all of New Zealand’s Canada Geese?
GI:Canada geese were introduced into New Zealand in 1905. There has been legal hunting opportunities for geese in New Zealand since the 1920’s. In 2011 the government removed the protection status allowing anyone to kill the birds. Currently there are no set seasons or bag limits, due to the fact they are way over populated.
SR: What’s the best goose shoot you have ever been on?
GI: I’ve been on a lot of 100-200+ shoots, but honestly the most memorable ones are the 20-30 birds shoots. The big number shoots never allow you to slow down and enjoy what’s happening.
SR: What’s the biggest cluster-fck you’ve ever had on a hunt?
GI: Well I’ve had a lot. But last season I set fire to my buddies A-frame blind, with the cooker flame. Let’s just say, the marsh grass took over pretty quick.
SR: Do you guys ever get a banded bird? Where from?
GI: New Zealand quit banding geese in the 1970’s. I’ve shot one banded goose in New Zealand.
SR: How difficult is it for an American to come hunt in New Zealand?
GI: There’s really no outfitting for waterfowl in New Zealand. So most people that come hunt here will swap or trade a hunt. But if you can network and find a local that will host you, it’s fairly simple.
SR: How has social media negatively affected the culture of waterfowl hunting in New Zealand since you started?
GI: Similar with the United States, social media has definitely changed the culture to some extent. Social media doesn’t show the hard work, sleepless nights, and financial expenses that go into hunting. Often the “glory shots” and “pile pics” are the only thing shown. Seems like a lot of the younger generation hunters are never satisfied with an average hunt. They want to shoot a huge pile, and feel like a failure if they don’t.
SR: What are some positive aspects of social media for hunting?
GI: I’ve made a lot of great connections through social media, that wouldn’t of happened otherwise. Some of the hunters I’ve met through social media have become really close friends.
SR: Did you have any “idols” in the hunting industry when you were younger?
GI: Shawn Stahl and Tim Grounds
SR: Your daughter (Holly) seems to really enjoy hunting. What are some things you try to ingrain in her as a Father/Hunter to help future generations.
GI: Yes, Holly loves hunting and doing most anything outdoors. She is 15 now, but I started taking her when she was 6. She couldn’t shoot at the time, so we taught her how to call. She is an amazing duck caller. When we go hunting, if we shoot 2 birds thats a success, anything more is just a bonus. I’ve taught her to respect hunting for what it is, and to really enjoy the entire experience.
SR: Whats a bucket list bird you really want to shoot?
GI: I want to go to Saint Paul Island in Alaska and shoot a King Eider. I mean a Common Eider would do, but I really want a King.
SR: What’s the most memorable hunt you have been on in the U.S.?
GI: Shooting little geese in Oregon and hunting sea ducks in Maryland.
SR: What’s next on your radar for a U.S. hunt?
GI: This upcoming fall, I’m going on a green timber hunt in Arkansas and hunting with Stanfield Outfitters in Texas.
Check Geoff out on social.
IG: @geoff.irvine.nz
FB: Geoff Irvine
