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2004 Duck Season Increases Demand For Waterfowl Identification Tests.

Since announcing that there will be a modified duck hunting season during 2004, the Department of Sustainability and Environment has received many inquiries from hunters wishing to sit for the Waterfowl Identification Test.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 21st January 2004 - Back to News

DSE Gippsland Wildlife Officer, Anthony Ball said that hunters must pass the WIT (Waterfowl Identification Test) before they can obtain a Game Licence which covers Game Birds – including duck.

"The test is a one off, so providing the hunters pass, they never have to sit it again," Mr Ball said.

"Because there wasn’t a duck season last year and no-one sat the test, we probably have double the number of newcomers to the sport wanting to do it this year."

The Waterfowl Identification Test requires people to be able to recognise both game birds and protected species while they are in flight, which allows hunters to avoid accidentally shooting protected species in the field.

This year the DSE will be conducting Waterfowl Identification Tests at both their Traralgon and Bairnsdale offices, while Field and Game Australia will be conducting coaching programs in Morwell and Sale.

"While it's not a requirement to do one of the Field and Game Association coaching courses before a hunter sits the test, the pass rate is usually better for those who have done the course," Mr Ball said.

"The F&GA provide experienced hunters to teach the identification features of the waterfowl, which makes it much easier than learning it on your own," says Officer Ball.

People who want to do the F&GA coaching courses can book their place by calling 5126-1266 in Morwell, or 5144-4545 in Sale.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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