A Bundalong mother campaigning for duck hunting to be banned in Victoria believes this season is "more emotional than ever" following the bushfire crisis.
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Sharyn Taylor said wildlife were "already struggling" in the area after severe drought, bushfires and extreme temperatures.
Ms Taylor's continued push to get the hunting season cancelled comes as the Victorian government still hasn't released dates for the 2020 season.
Last year's season started on March 16 with an announcement of dates released in late January. But more than two weeks into February and there is still no confirmation the season will go ahead.
"I am concerned about the safety of others using the waterways, but also what we are teaching our kids," Ms Taylor said.
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"Impact from the fires is adding extra stress and people are more concerned about our wildlife.
"But there are also people like me in our community who are opposed to duck hunting but are fearful for speaking out.
"It is that country town thing where you will be ostracised if you disagree with some people, despite those for it being the minority.
"And the fear you will be called a greeny for speaking out.
"People have that mentality that they are just bloody ducks and if you can kill them you should - that isn't right."
Ms Taylor said her passion against the hunting season stemmed from a near miss involving a boat-full of hunters on the Oven's River a few years ago.
"We were towing two kids on kneeboards and we came round the corner to a boat of four men, wearing camouflage holding rifles," she said.
"The risk is just so high with so many people skiing and fishing and enjoying the waterways around Bundalong.
"If their boat got bumped by the wake of a ski boat and they misfire it could be really dangerous."
Not-for-profit group Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting said in a submission to Game Management Authority said the 2020 season must be closed.
"Based on the significant continued long term decline of native waterbird indices, the hotter and drier environmental pressures set to continue and the inability to control duck shooting, the 2020 season must be closed," the statement said.
"This is notwithstanding the lack of risk assessments of the impacts to rural communities."
The Border Mail understands a decision about the hunting season could be announced as early as Tuesday.
