2021 Duck hunting season arrangements

Arrangements for the 2021 duck hunting season have been announced today including changes to the season length, start times, daily bag limit and hunted species in recognition of lower than average bird numbers and breeding.

The 2021 season will start on Wednesday 26 May 2021 and will last 20 days, closing 30 minutes after sunset on Monday 14 June 2021. Hunting start times will be delayed until 8:00 am for the first five days of the season from Wednesday 26 May to Sunday 30 May.

Hunters will be restricted to a daily bag limit of two birds and will be prohibited from hunting the Blue- winged Shoveler across Victoria, and both the Grey Teal and Chestnut Teal north of the Princes Highway/Freeway.

The restrictions on hunting Grey Teal are because of reduced numbers and breeding.

Given the similarity in appearance of the Grey Teal and the female Chestnut Teal, both species will be prohibited from being hunted north of the Princes Highway/Freeway. Chestnut Teal are more commonly found in coastal wetlands, south of the Princes Highway / Freeway, where they are permitted to be hunted.

The arrangements for the 2021 duck season are based on analysis of habitat and waterbird surveys conducted across eastern Australia and other data relating to game duck abundance, habitat distribution and climate.

The GMA and partner agencies, including Victoria Police, will be patrolling both public lands and private properties to ensure compliance with hunting, animal welfare and public safety laws.

As in previous years, the GMA will continue to monitor conditions in the lead up to and during the season. Where warranted, wetlands may be closed to hunting to protect concentrations of rare threatened species.

All licensed hunters must pass a Waterfowl Identification Test before being permitted to hunt ducks. Details of the 2021 duck season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the GMA website www.gma.vic.gov.au