From Field & Game Australia, The Buloke Times
The 2024 Victorian duck season has been nothing short of a success, marked by outstanding hunter compliance and an exhilarating experience for participants. As the season progresses, it is clear that responsible hunting is a positive force, not just for those involved, but for conservation and the environment.
Field & Game Australia believes one of the most notable highlights is the incredible level of compliance among hunters.
With more than 1,000 hunters checked in the first weeks of the season, fewer than 10 infringement notices have been issued. This is a testament to the dedication and responsibility of the hunting community, demonstrating that they take game management regulations seriously and strive to uphold them.
Field & Game Australia CEO Lucas Cooke said hunter behaviour was exemplary and the numbers spoke for themselves.
“Critics claim that compliance officers aren’t everywhere – however, effective enforcement doesn’t require constant surveillance,” Mr Cooke said.
“Police don’t monitor every intersection, and health inspectors don’t stand in every restaurant; there’s no reason why Game Management Authority (GMA) officers need to be omnipresent to ensure compliance.
“The behaviour of hunters is exactly what we expect; as a community, they are highly compliant.”
Mr Cooke said while hunters continued to excel in following the regulations, the same could not be said for some anti-hunting activists.
Lawlessness
“This season has seen an increase in lawlessness within the activist community, with a record number of banning notices issued,” he said.
“Leaders from major anti-hunting organizations were among those cited for breaking the law, underscoring the double standards that exist in the debate over hunting.”
Despite the noise from anti-hunting groups, the hunting conditions in Victoria have been excellent, with high levels of participation from hunters.
“The science is clear,” Mr Cooke said. “The consumptive harvest of ducks is completely sustainable, and hunting game birds is a responsible use of a valuable resource.”
Positive results
Other states, including Tasmania and South Australia, have run concurrent seasons during 2024 with similarly positive results.
Research indicates these states with open hunting seasons tend to have the healthiest wetlands and the best duck and quail populations.
“These states understand that responsible hunting contributes to conservation efforts, environmental health, and the upkeep of public land,” Mr Cooke said.
“By allowing people to access and harvest birds for their own consumption, hunting fosters a culture of stewardship and sustainable practices.”
The Victorian duck season has shown that, when done responsibly and with adherence to regulations, hunting can be a force for good.
“It’s not just about tradition; it’s about ensuring a sustainable future for our wetlands, our wildlife, and our communities,” Mr Cooke said.
“As the season continues, the focus remains on safety, sustainability, and the shared passion for the great outdoors.”
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 26 April 2024.
