During the 2024 duck season, the Game Management Authority (GMA) conducted 511 waterway and wetland patrols on private and public land across Victoria.

The GMA worked in partnership with Victoria Police, DEECA, Safe Transport Victoria, New South Wales Department of Primary Sanctions and Parks Victoria to regulate the 2024 duck season.

Authorised officers checked more than 1,550 Game Licences and inspected more than 1,200 hunter bags.

A total of 56 breaches were detected throughout the 2024 duck season. GMA will issue 22 infringement notices and is conducting 32 investigations related to these matters.

Twenty-six hunting related offences were detected, with the main offence themes being an invalid Game Licence, being in possession of toxic shot and failing to leave a wing attached.

Twenty-three persons were suspected of breaching public safety laws by entering or remaining in a specified hunting area or hindering or harassing hunters. As a result, the GMA issued 22 Banning Notices.

Behaviour

GMA CEO Graeme Ford said the majority of people involved in the 2024 duck season acted safely and responsibly.

“While some people breached game hunting and public safety laws, most of the people our Authorised Officers spoke with were complying with the law,” he said.

“However, there was an increase in the number of suspected breaches to public safety laws detected over the 2024 season.

“Public safety laws are in place to provide a safe environment for all land users.

“While those who oppose duck hunting have a right to protest, they must do so safely and legally.”

Seven non-hunters are also being investigated for hindering or obstructing an Authorised Officer.

Data from April 10 to June 5, 2024

• Total number of wetland and waterway patrols, 511.
• Game and firearms licences checked, 1,572.
• Hunter bags checked, 1,213.
• Hunters who had over-bagged, 0.
• Banning Notices issued, 22.
• Infringement Notices to be issued, 22.
• Briefs or investigations to be conducted, 32.
• Official warnings, 2.

Sanctions

The GMA uses a range of sanctions to deter illegal hunting and protestor activity, such as official warnings, infringement notices and licence suspensions and cancellations. Some offences may also be prosecuted in court. Any sanctions imposed as a consequence of court proceedings are at the discretion of the courts.

For more information on sanctions to deter illegal hunting and enforce the law, visit Enforcement Actions.

People are urged to report illegal hunting and illegal protester activity online or by calling 136 186.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 21 June 2024.