Tim Quilty slams duck hunting season as 'pathetic', hunter takes what she can get
SHORT SEASON: Duck hunters are taking what they can get in Victoria and are looking forward to the five week season which starts on May 2.
Despite a Northern Victoria MP labeling the duck hunting season as "pathetic", hunters are grateful there is a season at all.
Indigo Valley woman Bonnie Hartshorn, who has been going along with her father hunting ducks since she was seven, said hunters would take what they can get.
"It was always on the cards for it to be cancelled, it has been called off a few years, and NSW hasn't had a hunting season for a long time," she said.
"But we love getting out there with our family and it is something that is definitely runs in the family."
In stark contrast, Tim Quilty, who has maintained support for the sport, has opened fire on the state government's announcement of the five-week duck hunting season, labeling it "a pathetic attempt" to buy off protesters while throwing scraps to hunters.
"I'm continually amazed by their ability to make a complete mess of the duck hunting season - this is a pathetic attempt to pander to environmentalists while keeping hunters quiet, and it is an absolute disaster," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"This five-week season with a daily bag limit of three is little better than a complete ban - it offers no incentive for hunters to organise a trip to enjoy their sport."
Ms Hartshorn said she understands everyone has their opinion on the sport, but what they don't understand is the process hunters go through in order to get their licences.
"It is an effort to go through what you have to to get licensed," she said.
"In terms of the waterways, it is just about sharing them with skiing, boating, fishing and hunting - it is there for all of us to enjoy.
"We take safety very seriously and I am looking forward to getting out there with my dad and family when the season starts on May 2."
Game Management Authority said the restricted season, which includes a reduced daily bag limit of three, was necessary given the drought.
"Given the weather and drought they have taken that into consideration and we understand that," Ms Hartshorn said.
"I have been going every year I can since I was seven and it is something I hope to enjoy with my kids when they are older as well."