General News
1 February, 2024
Duck hunting season given the green light despite inquiry recommending its ban
Around 500 locals will once again be able to participate in recreational duck hunting this year following the State Government’s decision to proceed with the controversial activity despite on-going opposition. On Monday, Victorian Premier Jacint...
Around 500 locals will once again be able to participate in recreational duck hunting this year following the State Government’s decision to proceed with the controversial activity despite on-going opposition.
On Monday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan released a statement informing the public that duck and quail hunting would continue in the state — with this season also set to run longer than last year, with an increased bag limit.
The approved green light is a rejection of the recommendation made by the government’s own parliamentary inquiry into the practice, which suggested the activity be banned.
This call for a ban, which was one of eight recommendations, came after the committee considered factors such as animal welfare concerns related to wounding rates and accidental or incidental harm caused to threatened bird species.
While refusing to go ahead with the ban, the government has said it will accept all other recommendations, “in full or in principle”.
Some changes expected to be made from 2025 onwards, include:
Improving hunters’ knowledge and skill by making education and training for hunters mandatory.
Stricter compliance levels, including further penalties for hunters breaking the rules.
Banning the use of lead shot for quail hunting.
Implementing the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan, to reduce the risk of wounding.
Greater recognition of Traditional Owners’ knowledge of hunting and land management.
The announcement was backed by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett — who represents an electorate with 530 duck hunting license holders in comparison to around 2000 people who support animal welfare organisations, as reported previously by The Advertiser.
“Duck hunting is a legitimate recreational activity and it matters to thousands of Victorians,” Ms Haylett said.
“It also supports rural communities and economies in areas across Ripon.
“I appreciate that there are differing views on the matter but at the end of the day, I have and always will support country Victorians’ right to recreationally hunt ducks into the future.”
Responding to the government’s decision — not-for-profit organisation, Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said the move was an “absolute disgrace”.
“The [government] should be ashamed of itself,” she said.
“Duck shooters will be emboldened by this decision. They will have even less regard for the laws, and we will see more wounding and threatened species being shot this season.
“We also know that duck rescuers will be feeling increased anxiety over shooter behaviour. We are warning the government that the wetlands this season could be a bloodbath for our native bird species.”
Ms Palma said that Wildlife Victoria, along with other animal welfare groups, would continue their fight against the activity until a permanent ban was issued.
“This is a slap in the face for every caring Victorian and the hardworking wildlife rescue volunteers who turn out day after day in their communities attending to wildlife in need,” she added.
“[We] would also like to send our thoughts out to the thousands of Victorians who have shown their support for a ban. We would like to acknowledge all the work all volunteer wildlife rescue and rehabilitators do, and we share the pain you are feeling now in hearing this news.”
Locally, the announcement wasn’t well-received either — with the Maryborough Field Naturalists Club expressing their collective disappointment.
“The government’s refusal to ban duck shooting puts it out of step with most other states (Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia) that have already banned the activity because of its inherent cruelty,” a spokesperson for the group said.
“It leaves countless birds wounded and there are always a number of protected species shot.”
According to the Game Management Authority (GMA) the 2024 duck season will start at 8 am on April 10 and end 30 minutes after sunset on June 5.
The daily bag limit is six ducks per day, compared to four in 2023.
Blue-winged Shoveler and Hardhead cannot be hunted for the 2024 season due to their threatened status.
GMA is also reminding all hunters that they must pass a Waterfowl Identification Test before hunting ducks in Victoria and must also have a valid Game and Firearms Licence when hunting.