In a quiet corner of Southland, New Zealand, a father’s attempt to capture a hunting moment for social media turned into a costly lesson about responsibility and firearm safety. Reza Abdul-Jabbar, a well-known local figure, found himself in court after an incident involving his 13-year-old son during a wildfowl hunt on Waituna Creek. The case, which ended in a conviction, has raised serious questions about the dangers of mixing social media with hunting, especially when young shooters are involved.
The incident occurred when Abdul-Jabbar and his son set out to hunt Canada geese, a species not protected due to its large population in New Zealand. However, the outing took a troubling turn when the young boy, armed with a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, began shooting at black swans—protected game birds that were out of season. Abdul-Jabbar, a licensed firearms holder, was supposed to be closely supervising his son, ensuring that targets were correctly identified and the firing zone was safe. Instead, he was focused on filming the hunt for Instagram, capturing footage that later showed his son running toward the creek with a loaded firearm and firing in an uncontrolled manner.
Judge Russell Walker, presiding over the case in Invercargill District Court, was unimpressed with Abdul-Jabbar’s defense that he hadn’t realized his son was targeting black swans. The judge pointed out that as the adult and license holder, Abdul-Jabbar had a clear responsibility to maintain control over the firearm at all times. His distraction with filming not only led to the illegal killing of protected wildlife but also created a dangerous situation that could have had far worse consequences.
Southland Fish & Game manager Zane Moss didn’t mince words when addressing the incident. He called Abdul-Jabbar’s actions “reckless and deeply irresponsible,” emphasizing that adult hunters must prioritize safety over everything else, including social media clout. “If you’re holding a phone and distracted by filming, you’re not in control of the firearm,” Moss said. This lapse in supervision put not only the young shooter and potential bystanders at risk but also threatened the local wildlife and the reputation of game bird hunting as a whole.
Black swans, the species at the heart of this incident, are a particularly sensitive case. These birds are long-lived and reproduce slowly, making their populations vulnerable to overhunting. In New Zealand, their harvest is carefully regulated in consultation with mana whenua (indigenous Māori authorities) to ensure sustainability. Hunting them out of season, as happened here, can disrupt their breeding cycles, especially since black swan pairs are territorial and often stay close to their young. Disturbing them during this critical time can have lasting impacts on their population and the broader ecosystem of areas like Waituna Creek, a vital waterway in Southland.
Waituna Creek itself is part of a larger network of Southland’s natural wetlands and waterways, which are popular among hunters for their rich biodiversity. The area offers prime hunting opportunities for species like Canada geese, but strict rules govern what can be hunted and when. Fish & Game New Zealand, the organization responsible for managing sports fish and game birds, sets these regulations to balance the needs of hunters with the health of the environment. For instance, the open season for game birds in Southland typically runs from early May to early August, with specific restrictions on species like black swans to protect their nesting and breeding periods.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of social media in outdoor activities like hunting. For many, sharing a successful hunt online is a way to celebrate a tradition, connect with others, and pass down skills to the next generation. Fish & Game supports this passion for hunting traditions, with Moss noting that the organization is “passionate about people passing on hunting traditions.” However, he stressed that this must be done “safely, ethically, and legally.” When the pursuit of likes and followers takes precedence over basic safety protocols, the consequences can be severe—not just for the individuals involved but for the future of hunting itself.
The fallout from the Waituna Creek incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with handling firearms, especially when mentoring young hunters. In New Zealand, anyone wanting to hunt game birds must hold a valid game bird hunting license, and those using firearms need a separate firearms license. These requirements are designed to ensure that hunters are trained and accountable. For young shooters, close supervision by an experienced adult is non-negotiable. The law requires that supervising adults be able to take immediate control of the firearm if needed, a standard Abdul-Jabbar failed to meet while distracted by his phone.
The case also highlights the broader challenges facing Southland’s hunting community. Tensions between Fish & Game and local farmers have been simmering, with some accusing the organization of overstepping its role by opposing resource consents for activities like gravel extraction or the management of Waituna Lagoon. These disputes have led to calls for boycotts and restrictions on hunting access across private land, further complicating the relationship between hunters, landowners, and environmental stewards. Yet, incidents like the one involving Abdul-Jabbar show why organizations like Fish & Game are so vigilant about enforcing regulations—careless actions can have ripple effects that harm wildlife, habitats, and the public’s perception of hunting.
For hunters, the message is clear: safety and responsibility must come first. Whether it’s ensuring a clear firing zone, correctly identifying targets, or keeping a close eye on young shooters, the basics of safe hunting can’t be overlooked, no matter how tempting it is to capture the moment for social media. The Waituna Creek incident is a cautionary tale, one that underscores the need for vigilance and respect for both the law and the natural world. As Moss put it, “You can’t do that while standing back and filming for social media.” For the sake of wildlife, safety, and the future of hunting, it’s a lesson worth remembering.
