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Duck Season 2004: Time Running Out For Licence Renewals

Victorian duck hunters without a valid licence will need to be quick if they want to participate on opening day, which is now just over two weeks away.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 10th March 2004 - Back to News

Time is running out for hunters who don’t hold a valid Victorian Game Licence, and anyone found shooting without a valid licence will face stiff penalties.

Those who have not previously passed the Waterfowl Identification Test will also have to book in to sit this test before a licence can be issued.

The Waterfowl Identification Test requires hunters to be able to recognise game birds and protected species while they are in flight, which ensures that hunters avoid accidentally shooting protected species.

The test takes about 30-45 minutes and is a one-off, so even if you need to renew your licence, you won’t need to re-sit the test if you have previously passed it.

This year’s season has been reduced from three months to eight weeks, with new limits also applying:

• A daily bag limit of two birds per day.
• An additional three Wood Ducks may also be taken per day.

Hunters can be convicted and fined up to $2,000 have their gun forfeited and game licence suspended if they are found shooting protected wildlife.

"If people are unsure where they can hunt, we encourage them to call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 and they will be directed to the Wildlife Duty Officer."

For more information on duck season and the regulations that apply, go to DSE’s website: www.dse.vic.gov.au or contact our Customer Service Centre or your local DSE office.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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