The Andrews Labor Government’s decision to slash the duck hunting season from three months to just one month has been labelled “unfair” by the Nationals Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.
Mr Cameron said he had been approached by several local hunters who have expressed concerns about Labor’s announcement that shooters would also be held to tighter bag limits and restricted to just four birds per day during the modified season.
“Duck hunting is a well-regulated practice in Victoria and hunters have been left disappointed by this announcement which impacts a much-loved pastime for many law-abiding shooters across the Valley,” he said.
“The Game Management Authority website has referenced the supposed ‘poor behaviour’ of some as a factor in its decision to slash the hunting season, and this is an insult to the vast majority of recreational hunters who do the right thing.
“Labor’s own data from the 2022 duck hunting season also shows zero of the 802 hunters checked had exceeded daily bag limits.
“This just shows the decision to cut the season short has nothing to do with the behaviour of hunters.”
The Game Management Authority also claims a ‘more precautionary’ approach has been taken because of ‘long-term declines’ in waterbird numbers and habitat availability.
“But the Valley’s duck hunting community takes great pride in ensuring the practice remains sustainable for generations to come, and that includes caring for our wetlands and their native species,” Mr Cameron said.
“I’m calling on the State Government to reinstate a full-length duck hunting season so our recreational shooters can enjoy this pastime which supports local businesses and generates more than $350 million for the Victorian economy.”