2019 Duck season set to close this weekend

The Game Management Authority is reminding everyone involved in the 2019 duck season to act safely, responsibly and legally as the season will close this weekend.

The Game Management Authority is reminding everyone involved in the 2019 duck season to act safely, responsibly and legally as the season will close this weekend.

Game Management Authority (GMA) CEO Graeme Ford said everyone must observe all relevant laws and act responsibly for the remainder of the season.

“Victoria's 2019 duck season closes on Sunday, 19 May. The bag limit is five game duck per day and hunting of the Blue-winged Shoveler is prohibited,” Mr Ford said.

“Hunters are reminded they must be licensed, use non-toxic shot, adhere to bag limits, hunt only at those the times of the day when hunting is allowed, immediately retrieve any ducks they shoot and ensure they harvest at least the breast meat.”

“Also, people who oppose duck hunting and are involved in protest activity must also do so safely and legally. Public safety laws are in place to protect the broader community, hunters, authorised officers and protestors themselves.”

“There are significant penalties for anyone caught acting illegally or breaking hunting and public safety laws.”

A number of wetlands across the state are closed or further regulated to protect threatened birds. Full details of wetland closures or restrictions can be found on the GMA website.

“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,” Mr Ford said.

GMA Game Officers, Victoria Police and other authorised officers from DELWP, DJPR and Parks Victoria will remain active throughout private and public land across the state for the remainder of the season to ensure people act in a safe and responsible manner.

Hunters and the general public are urged to report any illegal activity to the GMA through its website www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or Victoria Police.

Details of the 2019 duck season, including fact sheets in various languages, are available on the GMA website.

Media contact: Nick Foster   T: 03 8392 2237 | M: 0417 293 365

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