Despite weather which made it difficult for some hunters, Fish and Game say the first day of duck hunting season was mostly positive.

Rangers were out across the country with police to check regulations were being followed.

Fish and Game's national communications manager Don Rood says while most hunters were well-behaved, there were some disappointments.

Some hunters persisted in shooting without licenses or used lead shot, which is prohibited large bore shotguns.

Rood says those who break the laws deserve the punishment they get.

"These people are just attempting to freeload on the back of the hard work of the honest hunter and the people who actually work for the environment."