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Final Reminders For Duck Shooters

DSE Gippsland's Senior Wildlife Officer, Charlie Franken, reminds duck hunters that the official start time for shooting on Saturday March 20 is 7.10am for Victoria east of Traralgon.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 17th March 2004 - Back to News

Penalties for non-compliance are the seizure of guns and a fine of up to $2500.

"The daily bag limit for the 2004 Victorian duck season will be two birds per day. An additional three Wood Duck may also be taken on each day of the season. Blue-winged Shoveler will be protected in 2004 and must not be hunted," Mr Franken said.

Mr Franken also reminded hunters that the use of lead shot for duck hunting is prohibited throughout Victoria.

"This includes duck hunting on all wetlands, waterways and dry lands on public and private land."

However, there are several exemptions to this regulation. Hunters using shotguns with a gauge smaller than 12 may continue to use lead shot for duck hunting until the conclusion of the 2004 season. Hunters using muzzle-loading, Damascus steel or twist-barreled shotguns for duck hunting are also exempt from the mandatory use of non-toxic shot.

Human safety legislation is also in place for the 2004 season to minimise the incidence of physical confrontation between hunters and animal welfare protesters.

"People who do not hold a current Game Licence and a current Victorian Firearms Licence or an interstate equivalent are not permitted to enter or remain in 205 of Victoria’s major hunting wetlands between midnight on Friday 19 March and 10am on Saturday 20 March. The legislation also applies from 5pm on Saturday 20 March until 10am on Sunday 21 March," Mr Franken said.

Unauthorised people may be issued with an infringement notice and directed to leave the wetland. Those who refuse to leave during prohibited times may be arrested and face a fine of up to $1,000.

People who do not hold appropriate licences are also prohibited from approaching to within 10 metres of anyone who is carrying a firearm or hunting duck during the season. Also, anyone found guilty of hindering or obstructing duck hunters on any wetland may face a fine of up to $2,000.

"These laws do not stop people from protesting about duck hunting but are designed to ensure that both hunters and protesters are not injured," Dr Begg said.

To ensure the good reputation of duck hunters in Gippsland it is important to obey not only the hunting laws, but also regulations relating to boating, camping, fires and littering. Police, Wildlife Officers and Park Rangers will be present at many wetland areas, some in uniform and some in plain clothes this year.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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