A Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP has called for the Victorian Government to ensure a “seamless and fulsome” 2017 duck season.
Northern Victoria Region MP Daniel Young met with Premier Daniel Andrews last month and raised concerns about last minute wetlands closures, miscommunication and deplorable activist intervention that plagued the 2016 season.
The avid duck shooter has been pushing Victorian ministers to initiate policy and procedures that would provide for a more streamlined process in future seasons.
Following pressure from the shooting sector, the Government last month committed to change the way it determined and declared whether wetlands should be opened or closed.
Mr Young is now setting his sights on ensuring an early commitment to the season without changes to regulation parameters.
“With the amount of rain in our waterways throughout Victoria, conditions will be ideal for a duck season as provided in full under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations,” he said. “This would mean full access to all relevant hunting areas, a complete season from the third Sunday in March to the second Monday in June, and maximum – if not lifted – daily bag limits.”
The regional MP urged the Premier to announce a full season soon, rather than wait until late January to make the announcement. This would provide confidence for those businesses affected and allow employees the opportunity to take time off to participate.
“There was a reassurance by the Premier that the announcement for the 2017 duck season will be stepped out in timely stages,” Mr Young said.
“This will provide hunters with plenty of opportunities to make their preparations for the season and be confident the season will go ahead without any last-minute changes.”
