Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh is calling on the Victorian Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas to announce a duck season in full this year.
The GMA provided their recommendation to the State Government on 25 January last year, so we know the Government has received the advice for the upcoming season.
“The pandemic, shorter seasons and reduced bag limits has been disappointing for hunters, they deserve a full season.” Mr Walsh said.
Most recent data estimate duck populations have remained strong across Victoria, with numbers between 2.9 and 3.6 million game ducks. Consecutive wet years, combined with La Niña conditions over summer have only improved populations.
Mr Walsh said “there is no reason for the minister to reduce bag limits or the length of the season, particularly when other states have just announced full seasons.”
Recreational shooters spend money and support local shops and businesses when they travel, this needs to be encouraged.
“This is not just about shooting, recreational hunters inject $356 million into the regional economy – a massive boost to our local businesses as they recover and rebuild,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Minister must announce a full season. Anything but is just another political ploy to attract inner-city votes.”
Mr Walsh said rather than harvesting city votes in an election year, State Labor should look beyond the outskirts of Melbourne and support regional businesses and recreators.