Duck hunting season remains under a cloud

While Victorian Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said hunting injects $356 million into the state — most of it in the regional economy.

RVODS has highlighted dire environmental outcomes and a significant long-term decline of all waterbird indices.

And it points to a lack of critical data concerning protected species and a lack of social/economic impact studies as other reasons the season should not go ahead.

A truncated season between May and June was run in 2020, although there are now concerns unreliable data on the actual number of birds affected may have been used to make the decision.

There is also ongoing debate — and increasing pressure from anti-hunting groups — around whether hunters should be required to undertake proficiency training before they can take part in game hunting.

The Game Management Authority has called on the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to look at mandatory testing as part of new regulations.

The issues have combined to create widespread confusion around the future of a season.

Mr Walsh said he believed the season could, and should, go ahead in a sustainable form.

“Whether it’s maintaining wetlands or complying with strict rules and regulations to ensure future sustainability of game species, Victorian hunters willingly do what’s needed to ensure a healthy environment and the future of their favourite pastime,” he said.

“Hunting also generates all those millions of dollars for our state, supports thousands of jobs and brings families out to regional Victoria for a weekend away — and the anti-hunting campaigners have not offered any alternatives to retain that money.

“And in the current environment, the last thing regional Victoria wants to do is lose even more cashflow from visitors.”

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