Lake Muirhead and Big Reedy Lagoon set to re-open for duck hunting

Lake Muirhead State Game Reserve, near Willaura east of the Grampians, and Big Reedy Lagoon State Game Reserve, west of Yarrawonga, are both now set to re-open for the 2017 duck hunting season.

Lake Muirhead State Game Reserve, near Willaura east of the Grampians, and Big Reedy Lagoon State Game Reserve, west of Yarrawonga, are both now set to re-open for the 2017 duck hunting season.

The two state game reserves were previously closed to hunting from the start of the 2017 duck hunting season to protect significant numbers of threatened species, such as Brolga and Great Egret.

Regular monitoring of the reserves by the Game Management Authority (GMA) and other partner agencies has shown a steady decline in the number of threatened birds and that the areas are now appropriate for duck hunting.

Hunting can resume at these reserves half an hour before sunrise on Friday 9 June 2017 until the season closes at half an hour after sunset on 12 June 2017.

Lake Cooper, east of Elmore, Koorangie State Game Reserve, near Kerang, Lake Natimuk and Natimuk Creek Lake Reserve, Natimuk, and the western half of Tower Hill State Game Reserve will all still remain closed for the 2017 season due to the presence of significant numbers of threatened species.

Motor boats have also been prohibited for duck hunting on Lake Linlithgow. GMA Game Officers, Victoria Police and other authorised officers from DELWP, DEDJTR and Parks Victoria will remain active throughout private and public land across the state during the season to ensure hunters act in a safe and responsible manner.

Hunters are reminded they must be licensed, use non-toxic shot, adhere to bag limits and hunting times, respect private property and use firearms safely.

Also, Blue-winged Shoveler cannot be hunted this season. As always, hunters should be on the lookout for protected species and clearly identify their target before shooting. If you are NOT SURE, DON’T SHOOT.

The GMA strongly encourages hunters and the broader public to report any suspected illegal hunting activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or via the GMA website at www.gma.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Nick Foster 0417 293 365