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Safety Is The Key To A Successful Duck Season

With the opening of the 2006 Duck Season just over a week away, time is running out for hunters to ensure they are ready. But being ready means a lot more than just having a valid Game Licence.

By DSE - 9th March 2006 - Back to News

The season will start on Saturday 18 March and close on 12 June 2006 and there is a restricted bag limit of seven birds per day, which includes a maximum of one Blue-winged Shoveler.

As well as a valid Game Licence, which can only be issued after passing the Waterfowl Identification Test, hunters should ensure they are familiar with the principles of firearm safety.

All hunters should practise the eight basic firearm safety rules and insist that anyone who goes shooting with them follows the same rules.

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Always point firearms in a safe direction
• Never have loaded firearms in the car, home or camp
• Identify your target and what is behind it
• Never fire at hard surfaces or water
• Store ammunition and firearms separately
• No alcohol or drugs when handling firearms
• Do not climb fences or obstacles with loaded firearms

With the dry conditions, hunters should also pay particular attention to campfire safety. Some restrictions apply to the use of campfires and all hunters should be aware of these to ensure that they comply with the relevant regulations and minimise the risk of starting a wildfire.

Importantly, fires should never be left unattended and an adequate supply of water and tools should be on hand to prevent a fire from escaping.

To protect game habitats, all campers, including hunters, should dispose of rubbish thoughtfully, including taking rubbish home with them.

DSE officers, as well as Police and Parks Victoria Rangers will be out in the field to enforce regulations, including bag-limits, the use of non-toxic shot, shooting of non-game birds, and ensuring that no shooting occurs before the official opening time.

Hunting organisations are working with DSE to maintain high levels of compliance by reinforcing messages about safety, campfires and responsible camping so that hunters have a safe and enjoyable duck season.

More information on hunters’ responsibilities and the Firearms Safety Code is available in the 2006 Hunting Guide, as well as the DSE website, www.dse.vic.gov.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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