In 2023, a Legislative Council Select Committee advised the State Government to discontinue duck hunting on all public and private land from 2024. The committee chairman, Ryan Batchelor said, “The Committee’s rationale is driven by the considerable environmental evidence of long-term decline in native bird populations, and a worsening outlook as our climate continues to change.”
In 2024, instead of a total ban, the State Government shortened the season and instigated a bag limit of 6 birds a day. Despite the shortened season, it is estimated that almost 400,000 birds were shot last year.
On Friday last week, Steve Dimopoulos, the
Victorian Minister for the Environment in the Allan Labor Government, announced a 50% longer season and a bag limit of 9 birds a day. This year, the
duck season begins on March 19th and runs to June 12th.
Minister Dimopoulos said, “Duck
hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and
we’re making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly – backed by
science.”
'Targeted' this year by the Victorian Government's 'adaptive harvest management' model, (clockwise): Pacific Black Duck, Mountain Duck (Shelduck), Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead, Wood Duck, Grey Teal
Whose science is right? Which way to turn?
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