The state government’s decision came after the recreational pursuit of duck hunting went very close to being made illegal last year.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) Victoria Treasurer Ethan Constantinou believes that his state is the best place in the country for duck hunting, and he is pleased that the recreational activity is still allowed.
Back in January, duck hunting faced the threat of being banned when a parliamentary committee recommended ending the activity. Fortunately, the Allan government rejected those recommendations.
The movement to outlaw duck hunting was spearheaded by the Greens and the Animal Justice Party (AJP).
Constantinou cautioned that if the ban had been implemented, left-wing parties would likely target other activities next, such as fishing and greyhound racing.
“If we had lost duck hunting, it would have emboldened the Greens and animal liberation advocates to continue their agenda,” Constantinou informed The Epoch Times. “We have secured a significant victory, and we will keep on winning.”
Victoria’s duck-hunting season started on March 19 and will end on June 9.
Hunters are allowed a daily bag limit of nine game ducks per day, and they can hunt seven different species of game ducks.
All hunters must possess a valid game license and firearms license before engaging in duck hunting in Victoria.
Select Committee Recommendations
The Allan government accepted seven out of the Select Committee’s eight recommendations, rejecting the proposal to end annual bird hunting on all public and private land from 2024.
Some of the key measures supported include:
- Retaining traditional owner hunting rights
- Converting game reserves into outdoor recreation areas
- Phasing out lead shots and addressing hunting-related pollution
- Requiring hunters to complete an Aboriginal cultural heritage awareness training program
Victoria, the ‘Hunting State’
Duck hunting remains banned in Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Several MPs, including SFF MP Jeff Bourman, Nationals MP Melina Bath, and Liberal MPs Bev McArthur and Evan Mulholland, strongly opposed the proposed ban in Victoria.
On the other hand, Animal Justice MP Georgia Purcell, Greens MP Katherine Copsey, and Labor MPs Michael Galea and Sheena Watt supported the ban.
McArthur expressed that rejecting the ban was a victory for common sense.
Constantinou emphasized that the decision to keep duck hunting legal was crucial to prevent further restrictions on hunting activities by animal activists.
He highlighted that Victoria has more than 200 game reserves designated for duck hunting.
Animal Justice Party MP ‘Furious’ at Decision
When the Allan government decided not to outlaw duck hunting in January last year, with certain restrictions, Purcell, the Animal Justice MP, expressed her disappointment.
Last month, Purcell alleged on Facebook that protected species like a black swan and two freckled ducks had been shot at the beginning of duck-hunting season.
Dogs Approved for Deer Hunting
For the first time in 50 years, new dog breeds have been approved for deer hunting in Victoria.
As of April 1, Bluetick and Black and Tan Coonhounds are permitted for use, provided they are registered with the Game Management Authority (GMA) and the hunter has written permission.
Constantinou viewed this as another success for the SFF Party, as they managed to get new hound-hunting breeds approved after two decades.
