Hunting organisation takes aim at duck season changes

AUSTRALIA’S peak body for hunters has hit out at the state government’s reasons to modify the coming duck season, labelling them as “flawed, secretive, relying on data not fit for the purpose and lacking any transparency”.

Earlier this month, the Game Management Authority (GMA) advised the state government that because prevailing and persistent dry conditions across eastern Australia had reduced duck numbers, breeding and wetland habitat in Victoria, a modified season was necessary to reduce the seasonal harvest, ensure duck hunting was conducted responsibly and duck numbers remained sustainable.

As a result, the 2019 season will be shortened from 12 to nine weeks (March 16-May 19), hunters will be restricted to four game ducks per day on the opening weekend and five ducks per day afterwards, and the hunting of blue-winged shoveler will again be prohibited.

Field and Game Australia chief executive officer Richard Light said his organisation had advocated for 10 birds per day and a full-length season “and provided ample scientific and empirical data to support our position”.

“We have seen no compelling data from the government for us to modify our position. Our members are reporting widespread concentrations of birds across the state, particularly after the significant rainfall in early December.

“More than 26,000 duck hunters, the regulated participants and primary customers of the GMA, who pay the government for the privilege, deserve a comprehensive explanation of the rationale behind this decision.

“We call for the Andrews Government to refund all duck hunting license holders 62.5 per cent of their current license fees in line with the announced season modifications.

“We question what is trying to be achieved by the reduced bag limit and season length when the expert scientific view is that hunting has no adverse impact on the sustainability of waterbird populations.”

The state government’s changes to duck season have also come under fire from RSPCA Victoria, which argues the season should be cancelled entirely.