Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP
Law abiding duck hunters bound to be disappointed by Andrews Labor government four bird limit
Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said he was disappointed a duck season of only a little over a month had been announced with a four bird limit.
Recent years have seen significant improvement in the actions of hunters. Last year more than 1200 game licence holders and this included 970 hunter bags. Only one hunter was found to have exceeded his bag limit and over 99% of hunters checked were complying with all conditions of the game hunting regulations.
Out of hundreds of duck hunters for the duck season, 80 percent believed that Victorian duck season restrictions are ridiculous and making them miss out on the opportunity
Restoring wetland habitat
Mr Bull said, "Locally, Field and Game does an extraordinary job in the area of conservation. They restore wetland habitat to ensure sustainability of all species and control feral species and weeds. Recently, Victorian voters went to the polls. The "Ban Duck Hunting" party attracted less than 1.5 per cent across the board of Lower House votes."
"There are 26,000 Victorian duck hunters and many come to our area and support the local economy. The economic contribution of recreational hunting report by the government in 2020 states the contribution to Gross State Product from recreational hunting by game licence holders in Victoria in 2019 was $356 million."
"There were an estimated 1,626 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs generated directly by recreational hunting-related expenditure with a further 1,513 FTE jobs generated by flow-on activity, so the total employment contribution was 3,138 FTE jobs and the majority of expenditure is outside Melbourne, with 69% in regional Victoria." Mr Bull said.
Issue with differences
Mr Bull said he realised this was an emotive issue with differences of opinion and while not a duck hunter himself, he was a recreational angler and supported the right to hunt for food. In Victoria hunters are required by Law to collect all shot ducks, and to harvest at least the breast meat (most take the whole bird).
"It is also concerning that the government has announced an inquiry into duck season and will no doubt appoint a majority of its own members to control numbers," he said.
Pictures from Victorian Duck Hunters Association Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024