The Victorian duck hunting season has been given the green light but a "restricted season" has been labelled as "necessary".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state government today announced the 2020 duck hunting season will start from 8am on May 2 and will run for five weeks.
"The restricted season is a necessary response to the prolonged dry conditions that have led to low duck numbers and reduced habitat," a Game Management Authority statement said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The GMA provided its advice to the government prior to the height of the summer bushfires in Victoria and has since advised the bushfires have had a "minimal direct impact" on duck populations and habitat.
"Hunters will be restricted to three game ducks per day throughout the season, with the hunting of Blue-winged Shoveler prohibited for the entire season," the statement said.
The season will close 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, June 8.
The delay in the season announcement has brought with it increased pressure to ban the season all together, with protesters calling for greater safety including in wetlands around the Bundalong area.
Last year's season ran for nine weeks beginning on March 16.