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 has 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.

“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 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 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.

Friday, 24 February 2023