With duck season just days away, the state’s hunting regulator has asked shooters to “brush up” on their bird identification skills to avoid killing protected species.
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Game Management Authority chief executive officer Greg Hyams said hunters should not pull the trigger if unsure of a bird’s species.
“Small numbers of rare and threatened species are scattered throughout the state and hunters should be on the look out and take the time to positively identify their target,” Mr Hyams said.
“The illegal shooting of threatened species can put pressure on populations.”
The blue-winged shoveler duck was declared off-limits for this season because of its low numbers, while wildlife sanctuaries Kow Swamp and Reedy Lakes, in Gunbower and Kerang respectively, remain closed in 2017.
The GMA will close four other sites around Victoria during hunting season.
But seven other game duck species can still be shot down, and hunters are still permitted to kill 10 birds every day.
The GMA offers hunters a duck ID manual, a training video and an online quiz to test knowledge of waterbird species.
Police and game officers will monitor hunters throughout the season.
Hunters are not the only threat to waterbirds in Victoria this week; there is also a suspected case of botulism in birds at Lake Buloke.
The Victorian environment department was aware of “a number” of bird deaths at the waterhole.
Botulism is an illness caused by toxins in a naturally occurring bacteria, which breaks out in favourable environmental conditions.
While there was minimal risk to humans – the site of the dead birds’ discovery was not accessible to the general public – veterinary services manager Dr Cameron Bell said people should not handle dead or sick birds and fish, and to keep pets away from the area.
To report suspected illegal hunting or dying birds, phone the GMA on 136 186 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Reports can be made anonymously.