SSAA Victoria understands the huge importance of the duck season opening to many members. The current Covid-19 restrictions have had enormous impacts on hunting generally and will impact on the duck season as well.
In a constantly-changing environment the Association has been attempting to obtain factual information to be able to report accurately to members. This has been challenging, particularly when government agencies themselves are not even sure what is happening in coming days and weeks.
The 2020 Victorian Duck Season officially commences this Saturday, May 2. The Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, has announced this morning that there will be no easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Victoria before May 11. The current restrictions DO NOT allow recreational hunting to occur, therefore hunters will not be able to leave home to go hunting on Saturday.
SSAA Victoria is continuing to make every effort to convince the relevant ministers and departments that hunting is a low risk activity for the spread of COVID-19. Where decisions by government are really being based on science and fact, the Association expects that hunting would be one of the first activities reinstated. The Association has lost significant confidence in some Ministerial decision making processes after the unjustifiable and unwarranted restriction on sales of ammunition and firearms and the offensive and unsubstantiated comments by the Police Minister linking licensed firearms owners to domestic violence concerns.
The Game Management Authority is planning for a season to go ahead once restrictions are lifted and SSAA Victoria remains engaged in the normal lead-up discussions on potential wetland closures due to the presence of other species. Strong advocacy has seen the extension of game licences for a further 12 months and the Association congratulates the Agriculture Minister for that decision.
The Association expects that the lifting of hunting restrictions would result in the immediate commencement of the duck season from that time on. SSAA Victoria will continue to advocate for an extension of the season to allow duck hunting for a full five weeks, in line with the modified season length that was announced.
More information will be provided to members as it comes to hand.
