Victorian Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said on February 14 that the settings for the 2025 duck hunting season will be determined by the science-based Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
He said this year is the first season the AHM model will be used to guide the daily bag limit in Victoria, with the modelling tailored to the state’s unique conditions, habitats and species.
“Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and we’re making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly — backed by science,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“Our wounding reduction action plan will improve animal welfare and is a significant step to make sure recreational hunting can continue sustainably in Victoria.”
From this season, all new hunters seeking a licence are required to do mandatory online knowledge training and testing — including Aboriginal cultural awareness training — as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
The season will open on Wednesday, March 19 and close on Monday, June 9.
The start time is 8am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
The 2025 daily bag limit is nine ducks, and seven duck game species can be hunted.
The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
The government says it is also giving hunters certainty about future seasons, with the dates for the next three years set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations.
The government says it has invested $11.6 million to ensure the proper compliance and enforcement measures are in place so duck hunting remains safe and sustainable into the future.
Further details about the 2025 season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the Game Management Authority website at: https://gma.vic.gov.au
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