The Victorian Government has announced the 2024 duck season will open at 8am on Wednesday, April 10, and close 30 minutes after sunset on Wednesday, June 5.
The announcement detailed that the hunting start time would be 8am until 30 minutes after sunset for the entire season and that the daily bag limit would be six ducks per day.
Blue-winged shovelers and hardheads cannot be hunted for the 2024 season due to their threatened status.
G-MW acting water storage services general manager Craig Kellow asked people to make themselves aware of the restrictions before hunting at G-MW lakes, dams and reservoirs.
“It is important hunters familiarise themselves with the duck hunting arrangements for the 2024 season,” he said.
“Duck hunting is permitted at several of our lakes, dams and reservoirs, but there are still areas at these storages where hunting is prohibited.
“It is important hunters are aware of these locations before they visit. We have maps on our website showing people where hunting is not allowed, and we encourage people to get in touch with us if they need something clarified.”
Mr Kellow also warned hunters to be aware of any access requirements before going on to land.
“Hunters will also need to get landholder consent to hunt or pass through private property that adjoins G-MW land, waterways and storages,” he said.
“We ask everyone to be considerate of other members of the public and the environment, and to make safety their priority.”
Duck hunting is permitted at the following G-MW storages: Cairn Curran Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir, Lake Hume, Lake Eppalock, Laanecoorie Reservoir, Greens Lake, Lake Eildon, Lake Buffalo, Waranga Basin, Lake Charm, Kangaroo Lake, Lake Nillahcootie and Lake Nagambie.
However, wetlands can be closed to hunting by the Victorian Government under the Wildlife Act 1975 for various reasons, including to protect significant numbers of threatened species or breeding waterbird colonies.
Hunters are reminded to regularly monitor the Game Management Authority website for updates to wetland closures and other management actions: www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/wetland-closures-duck-season
Victoria Police and authorised officers from partner agencies will patrol wetlands across Victoria to ensure people abide by the rules.
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