SSAA Victoria has welcomed news that two wetlands closed at the start of duck season will be reopened.
Lake Martin south of Cressy in the south west and a private wetland near Stanhope in the north east will be reopened tomorrow (29 May) for the remainder of the 2018 duck hunting season.
Both areas had been closed since the opening weekend after surveys conducted by the GMA identified significant numbers of the endangered birds.
Lake Martin has been closed while significant numbers of Curlew Sandpiper remained at the wetland while Freckled Duck had kept hunters off the Stanhope wetland.
The GMA says regular monitoring in conjunction with DELWP has shown that these species have now left the waterbodies.
SSAA Victoria Hunting Development Manager, David Laird said that hunters do understand that in exceptional circumstances wetlands may need to be closed to hunting.
“However, it should always be as a last resort and wetlands should be reopened as soon as those exceptional circumstances change,” he said.
“It is encouraging to see Lake Martin opened. Hunters are encouraged to take advantage of the reopening and make the most of the increased hunting opportunities before the end of the season.”
He said that an offset system, where a wetland would reopen to compensate for a closure, would be a better outcome for hunters.
“The Association continues to push for the establishment of an offset system,” he said.
“This would allow for the opening of normally closed areas to make up for temporary closures.”
GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said surveying bird numbers and closing or reopening wetlands where appropriate helps ensure hunting in Victoria is conducted sustainably and responsibly.
“Hunting can resume at Lake Martin and at the private wetland near Stanhope on Tuesday 29 May until the season closes at half an hour after sunset on 11 June 2018,” Mr Hyams said.
“Hunters should note that the private wetland near Stanhope may only be hunted after receiving permission from the landowner. Heavy penalties apply for failing to get permission.
“Government officials will continue to monitor other closed wetlands throughout the season. If the reason for the closure no longer exists, they will be recommended to be reopened for hunting.
“Hunters are reminded to check for any closures before they depart for their hunt. Full details of all wetland closures can be found at www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Victorian Government Gazette.”
Mr Laird said that SSAA Victoria members interested in duck hunting, regardless of experience, are encouraged to get in touch with the SSAA Victoria Duck Hunters Club.
“The club has run a couple of hunts so far this season and an organised hunt is planned for the last weekend of the season,” he said.
New members are welcome to join and can email ssaaduckhunters@gmail.com for details or visit the Facebook page.
SSAA members are also reminded that GMA Game Officers, Victoria Police and other authorised officers from DELWP, DEDJTR and Parks Victoria will remain active throughout private and public land across the state during the season to ensure hunters act in a safe and responsible manner.
Hunters and the general public are urged to report any illegal hunting to the GMA through its website or the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Victoria Police.
Details of the 2018 duck season, including fact sheets in various languages and information about any wetland closures and re-openings throughout the season, are available on the GMA website.
