THE start of the 2024 duck season on April 10 has prompted concerned citizens to call their local police stations and a timely reminder by the Benalla Proactive Policing Unit about the responsibilities of duck hunters.
The current season concludes on Wednesday June 5 2024.
Police urge hunters to refer to the following information provided by the Game Management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water.
It is up to the hunter to know all the relevant information on where to hunt, what permits are required and exercise firearm safety at all times.
Throughout the season, hunting hours are from 8am until 30 minutes after sunset.
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Irresponsible, unsafe or illegal behaviour related to duck hunting can be reported anonymously to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) by phoning 136 186.
If someone is in danger or any firearms related issues or incidents, contact Victoria Police by dialling 000.
Where I can hunt…?
Duck hunting is permitted on a range of public land types, including State Forest, unoccupied crown land and state game reserves.
Hunting is also permitted on leased and licensed crown land and private land with permission of the landowner or manager. There are several lakes and weirs that are permitted for duck hunting in North East Victoria.
For more information download the More to Explore app from the GMA Victoria website.
On the water…
You are allowed to hunt duck from a boat under power up to a speed of five knots on waterways such as rivers, creeks and streams.
You are not allowed to hunt duck from a motorboat with the motor running (whether it is in gear or not) on open water such as lakes, dams or swamps.
A motorboat operating at a speed of five knots or less can be used to retrieve dead or wounded ducks.
Duck hunting is permitted in certain areas of GMW storages during the Victorian duck hunting season such as Lake Nillahcootie and Lake Eildon.
Recreation areas are off limits to hunters.
This also includes public access for any purpose (including duck hunting) is prohibited along GMW’s channel system at all times.
Duck hunters need to be aware about entering private property and are required to seek the consent of landholders to hunt or pass through private property.
Hunters should respect private property and the rights of landowners.
Hunting in a prohibited area could result in the loss of game and firearms licences and/or the seizure and confiscation of firearms, vehicles, or other belongings.
Information on where I cannot hunt…
This year in the North East, Big Reedy Lagoon State Game Reserve in Yarrawonga is completely closed for duck hunting.
Areas such as sanctuaries, Melbourne water and catchment areas, flora and fauna reserves, nature conservation reserves and alpine resorts do not permit hunting.
For more information on permitted locations visit: https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/where-to-hunt/hunting-maps
Hunters must never carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place (picnic area, camp site) or on or over any area of public or private land where hunting is not permitted.
If hunting on a lake or weir, Maps from Goulburn Murray Water indicates where these areas are.
All information has been obtained from Game management Authority and Goulburn Murray Water which can be viewed on their website.
https://www.g-mwater.com.au/recreation/duck-hunting
https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck
