The quick facts:
What are the new regulations?
There are two new regulations in 2018.
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The first is about the recovery of game birds. Hunters must make all reasonable efforts to recover a downed bird.
Once a bird is downed, a hunter must focus on that bird only and make all reasonable efforts to retrieve it immediately. They must not continue to shoot at other birds.
The hunter must immediately kill any game that is still alive when recovered.
The second regulation formalises the practice of using and not wasting the game they have hunted.
A hunter must recover at least both breasts of the game bird they have harvested. They must remain in possession of the bird or duck breasts until immediately prior to cooking or until it is taken home.
Which wetlands are closed?
High numbers of threatened birds will see the closure or partial closure of several wetlands when the 2018 duck hunting season open.
The Game Management Authority has released its list of off-limits wetlands, which include a number in central and northern Victoria.
Among them are Koorangie State Game Reserve, which encompasses First, Second and Third Marsh and Lake Bael Bael near Kerang, due to the numbers of Freckled Duck and Blue-billed Duck.
Nearby Lake Elizabeth, Racecourse Lake, Cullen's Lake and Lake Charm will all remain open to hunting.
The number of Freckled Duck has also led to the closure of Browns Lake, near Donald, as well as a private wetland south of Stanhope, near the intersection of Two-Tree Road and Girgarre-Rushworth Road.
Hird Swamp State Game Reserve, near Kerang, will be closed on the western side over the opening weekend only to minimise disturbances to Australasian Bittern.
Kow Swamp near Gunbower and Reedy Lakes at Kerang will again be closed for the entire season.
Have your say:
Read more:
- The wetlands closing for 2018 duck hunting season
- Game Management Authority warns Bendigo duck hunters as 2018 season approaches
- Duck hunt regulations for 2018 season upset hunters and animal rights activists
- Victorian government defends duck hunt changes despite shooters saying it will put protesters in the firing line
- Scores of birds hunted illegally during 2017 duck season at Koorangie State Game Reserve
To learn more about duck hunting and the rules and regulations, visit the Game Management Authority website.