2020 Duck season set to close

The Game Management Authority is reminding everyone involved in the 2020 duck hunting season to act safely, responsibly and legally ahead of the season closing on Monday 8 June.

The Game Management Authority is reminding everyone involved in the 2020 duck season to act safely, responsibly and legally ahead of the season closing on Monday 8 June.

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

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

“As always, hunters should also be on the lookout for protected species and clearly identify their target before shooting. If you are not sure, don’t shoot.”

“Illegal hunting and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. People caught doing the wrong thing will face serious consequences including fines, loss of Game and Firearms licenses, having their firearms forfeited or destroyed, and in some cases, jail terms.”

Mr Ford is also reminding protestors to ensure they act in a safe and responsible manner.

"While those who oppose duck hunting have a right to protest, they must do so safely and legally. Public safety laws are in place to protect the broader community, hunters, authorised officers and protestors themselves,” Mr Ford said.

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

Victoria's 2020 duck season closes 30 minutes after sunset on Monday 8 June. The bag limit is three game ducks per day and hunting of the Blue-winged Shoveler is prohibited. A number of wetlands across the state are closed or further regulated to protect threatened species.

With the recent easing of restrictions, people can now stay overnight in private accommodation and at campsites, so long as communal areas like shared kitchen and bathroom facilities are not used. You can also gather in groups of up to 20 people outside, while maintaining physical distancing of 1.5 metres between each other.

GMA Game Officers, Victoria Police and other authorised officers from DELWP, DJPR and Parks Victoria will continue to patrol private and public land across the state to ensure people act in a safe and responsible manner.

Hunters and the public are urged to report illegal hunting to the GMA through its website www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186, or by contacting Victoria Police.

For more information on the 2020 duck season, visit gma.vic.gov.au

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