Wetlands closed to hunting
14/03/2025
The Victorian Government has closed or partially closed 18 wetlands to hunting for the 2025 duck season to protect significant concentrations of threatened species and breeding waterbirds.
The Victorian Government has closed or partially closed 18 wetlands to hunting for the 2025 duck season to protect significant concentrations of threatened species and breeding waterbirds.
Most of the wetlands closed to hunting in 2025 have been closed due to the presence of significant numbers of threatened species. One wetland has been partially closed to prevent disturbance to a colony of breeding waterbirds.
Hunters should check the GMA website before entering the field for the latest information on wetland closures.
Closing or partially closing wetlands or further regulating hunting methods at wetlands ensures that threatened species are protected and duck hunting remains sustainable.
Other wetlands may be closed or further regulated during the season if significant concentrations of threatened species are found. If the reason for closure no longer exists, the wetland may be reopened to hunting.
Three wetlands (Kow Swamp, Reedy Lakes and Richardson River) are routinely closed each year to reinforce their status as wildlife sanctuaries where game hunting is prohibited.
Hunters are reminded that the hunting start times are 8:00am until 30 minutes after sunset for the first five days (19-23 March, inclusive), then from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset Monday, 9 June 2025 (inclusive).
The daily bag limit is nine game ducks and the Blue-winged Shoveler must not be hunted.
Hunters areresponsible for understanding their legal, ethical and safety obligations when hunting, including knowing where it is legal to hunt.
For information and maps showing where hunting is prohibited, download the More to Explore App.
GMA Authorised Officers, Victoria Police and Authorised Officers from other agencies will patrol wetlands across Victoria.
Useful links
Report illegal hunting or illegal protester activity
Table of wetlands closed to hunting
The wetlands listed below will be closed or partially closed to duck hunting for the 2025 duck season. Check the Wetland closures page regularly for updates to this list. Some wetlands may be added and others removed during the course of the season.
Hunting is not permitted in wildlife sanctuaries, including Reedy Lakes (Kerang), Kow Swamp (Gunbower) and Richardson River (Buloke Shire).
Wetlands closed or partially closed to hunting will be reflected in Victoria’s online hunting maps. Download the More to Explore App or visit MapshareVic
2025 duck season wetland closures to take effect from Wednesday, 19 March 2025
* Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve partial closure map
^ Dowd Morass State Game Reserve partial closure
