A quiet start to duck season in Victoria

The opening weekend of the 2015 duck season has seen the highest numbers of hunters active in wetlands in Gippsland and at select wetlands near Kerang, Horsham, Stawell and Geelong.

The opening weekend of the 2015 duck season has seen the highest numbers of hunters active in wetlands in Gippsland and at select wetlands near Kerang, Horsham, Stawell and Geelong.

Game Management Authority (GMA) CEO Greg Hyams said the significant amount of duck hunters active on the state's wetlands today will help generate economic activity in Victorian rural towns and regional centres,” Mr Hyams said.

“A high level of compliance was observed by more than 150 staff from across government agencies including the GMA, Victoria Police, Parks Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs and Transport.”

“Hunting success varied according to wetland conditions with bag numbers below average. However, it was good to see many families out and about enjoying the state’s wetlands.”

"The vast majority of hunters did the right thing today adhering to all wetland closures and acting safely, responsibly and in accordance with the law. We encourage hunters to maintain this high level of compliance for the remainder of the season.”

“At this stage, a total of 26 infringements have been issued for minor offences including possessing toxic shot and hunting from a moving boat.”

“There have also been a few isolated incidents where hunters have been detected shooting early. In total, 5 hunters have been processed by authorities and had their firearms seized for this.”

“Ten protesters were apprehended and will receive banning notices for entering Lake Murphy in Kerang, a specified hunting area, during prohibited times.”

Mr Hyams said safety is the number one priority and anyone on a wetland where duck hunting is permitted must ensure they act safely and legally.

“Hunters need to remember that the bag limit for the rest of the season is halved at five ducks with a maximum of one Blue-winged Shoveler," Mr Hyams said.

“Hunters also need to remember to adhere to the hunting times set at half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset. Hunters are advised to check their Hunting Guide or Game Hunting Victoria App.”

Authorised officers and Victoria Police will continue to be active throughout the state to ensure hunters and protestors act in a safe and responsible manner until the 12 week duck season ends on June 8.

Closed wetlands may be re-opened or further wetlands closed throughout the season. Hunters are advised to check the GMA website for updates prior to hunting at www.gma.vic.gov.au

Note:  There are 26,000 licensed duck hunters in Victoria.

Media contact: Nick Foster 0416624634