No hunting offences were detected at a major compliance operation in Victoria’s northwest on the last weekend of February.
The operation – managed by Game Management Authority (GMA) and Victoria Police – targeted illegal quail and duck hunting outside of the open season.
GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said Victoria Police and GMA officers set up road blocks in strategic locations around Quambatook, Wycheproof, Charlton and Boort and conducted patrols.
“Twenty-six vehicles were stopped, the occupants of a further six vehicles were spoken to and a number vehicles were searched,” he said.
“In total, over 80 people were spoken to over the two days, including several groups of hunters who were scouting for good hunting locations for when the quail and duck seasons open.”
SSAA Victoria Hunting Development Manager David Laird applauded hunters for doing the right thing.
“Game thieves – because they are not hunters – effectively steal from responsible hunters,” he said. “SSAA Victoria applauds the fact that efforts are being made to prevent illegal hunting activities, thereby looking after the interests of legitimate hunters and our valuable game resources.”
The 2017 duck hunting season will commence on Saturday, March 18, 2017 and close on June 12, 2017. The 2017 Stubble quail season opens on Saturday, April 1 and closes on Friday, June 30.
