Fears by some game bird hunters that Maori would stop them stalking a prized pheasant hunting ground in Bay of Plenty have come to nothing.
Fish and Game is applauding three iwi for allowing hunters continuous entry to lands that are part of their recent Treaty settlements.
The game bird hunting season opened the first weekend in May.
Eastern Fish & Game manager Rob Pitkethley said the organisation is grateful to Ngati Awa, Ngati Makino and Ngati Pikiao for granting ongoing access to areas of Rotoehu forest, near Lake Rotoehu, which is between Kawerau and Rotorua.
He said there was concern that Maori would close access, but any fears have been quashed by the actions of the tribes.
