The Victorian Government last night announced the opening of duck hunting season for 2016. Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford revealed a full-length season with reduced bag limit. On opening day – March 19 – a bag limit of eight birds will be in place, while a four-bird limit will be introduced thereafter.
SSAA Victoria supports the full-length season but is disappointed in the reduced bag limits. In its submission to Game Management Authority, the Association said, considering most of the State was expected to receive average rainfall, and the south-west to receive above average falls, the full bag-limit was reasonable.
“Duck season is an important economic contributor to the rural economy and I encourage our 26,000 licensed hunters to get out into our rural and regional areas as usual,” Minister Pulford said.
“Hunters are reminded to act safely and responsibly at all times while enjoying their hunting.”
While the bag limits are a disappointment, the announcement means waterfowl hunters can start planning their opening weekend trips. Duck hunting is worth $43 million to the Victorian economy, with thousands of hunters converging on the State’s wetlands during the season.