Geelong Duck Rescue is hoping the “brutal“ 2023 duck shooting season is Victoria’s last as politicians consider its future.
Duck shooting season began at Lake Connewarre Reserve at 8am on April 26 and has been reduced to five weeks with a new bag limit of four ducks.
Geelong Duck Rescue co-ordinator Natalie Kopas said she wished Victoria would abolish the practice for the health and welfare of local wildlife.
“I can’t wait till the day when our group stops being duck rescue … and we’re not cleaning up shotgun shells anymore,” she said.
“We try and do whatever we can to help maintain and look after native wildlife.”
Ms Kopas said it was difficult to monitor whether shooters were following the rules.
She said she had already witnessed threatened species being shot at, shooting starting before 8am and the bagging more than four ducks.
“The first shots on opening morning were fired at 7.27am, so that’s 33 minutes before shooting time,” she said.
“Realistically, even when we do have authorities monitoring, they monitor from shore. It’s a water-based activity that often happens behind reeds out of sight.
“When you see what happens, even when we are monitoring, it makes you just wonder how much more stuff happens when we’re not.”
Ms Kopas said she would continue monitoring Lake Connewarre Reserve with other volunteers in a visible yellow hat, white balaclava and orange vest to help wounded birds.
“You certainly feel like the pellets are raining down on your head,” she said.
“We are very aware of the safety risks and take every possible precaution, but we’re still compelled to be out there.
“If we’re there visibly watching, they are less likely to shoot after time. They’re less likely to shoot at threatened species and less likely to shoot over their bag limit.”
Geelong Field and Game conservation officer Trent Leen said he was disappointed that this could be the last year of the duck shooting season and hunting was often misunderstood.
“There’s so much more to hunting,” he said.
“We know that duck hunting is completely sustainable, and the biggest threat our water birds have is habitat loss.
“We hunt three months of the year, and the other nine months of the year, we’re out there doing conservation work.
“We feel quite vilified by it when we know it’s sustainable. You look at the data and the science, it’s a sustainable practise and there’s certain definite economic benefits.”
The Game Management Authority organises the Victorian duck season, which will conclude 30 minutes after sunset on May 30. A spokesperson said it would continue to patrol public and private lands to ensure public safety and hunting compliance.
“Those who break the law face fines and penalties. They may be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their game and firearms licences. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.”
