Duck hunters reminded to plan ahead as the season draws closer

Hunters are reminded to plan ahead as the 2016 duck season is set to commence in less than two weeks.

Hunters are reminded to plan ahead as the 2016 duck season is set to commence in less than two weeks.

Game Management Authority (GMA) CEO Greg Hyams said hunters should be well prepared before they venture into the field for the start of the duck season.

“We want to remind all hunters to ensure both their Game and Firearms Licences are valid, they are familiar with the restrictions to the 2016 duck season and have brushed up on their duck identification skills”, Mr Hyams said.

Due to the continued dry conditions, the daily bag limit has been reduced to eight birds on the first day of the season and four birds per day for everyday thereafter. Also, the Blue-winged Shoveler must not be hunted in 2016.

Mr Hyams encouraged all hunters to read the GMA’s 2016 Victorian Hunting Guide for further information and watch the GMA’s Duck WISE video to refresh their bird identification skills.

“The Duck WISE video has valuable information on how to accurately distinguish game from nongame species, including how to identify key characteristics that set game species apart.”

My Hyams said Duck WISE also contains important information on the Firearms Safety Code, how to handle firearms safely and how to hunt more effectively and efficiently.

“Hunters should ensure they are hunting in legal areas and only during the legal hunting times.” “They should also be aware of waterways that may be affected by blue-green algae by checking with water authorities and are equipped to avoid contracting mosquito-borne disease.”

“Hunters should keep up to date with all the latest information on the hunting seasons, including any possible wetland closures, by regularly visiting the GMA’s website”, Mr Hyams said.

The GMA is working closely with hunting organisations and industry to maintain the highest standards of behavior in the field.

GMA Game Officers, other authorised officers and Victoria Police will be active throughout the state during the season to ensure hunters act in a safe and responsible manner.

Victoria’s 2016 duck hunting season will open on Saturday 19 March and close on Monday 13 June. Duck WISE can be viewed at the GMA’s website www.gma.vic.gov.au