THE Premier’s announcement on Valentine’s Day regarding the 2025 duck hunting season has been met with fierce debate.
A statement that declared that the new duck hunting season was ‘sustainable, safe, and backed by science,’ has been called out by Geelong Duck Rescue, who argued that the ‘recreational bloodsports’ was not what the struggling population of native waterbirds needed.
Their claim about the declining population is supported by UNSW’s annual aerial waterbird survey, which revealed a nearly 50 per cent decline in numbers compared to the previous year—recording only 287,231 birds in 2024 compared to 579,641 birds in 2023.
RSPCA Victoria also expressed concern over the declining numbers, arguing that this season’s extended hunting period and increased bag limit of nine ducks—up three from last year—would only place more pressure on the remaining duck population.
They additionally called into question the number of wounded ducks during the previous season, declaring the estimated figure of 157,000 ‘large-scale suffering’, while wildlife rescuer and leader of Geelong Duck Rescue Natalie Kopas expressed her concern for the number of ducks that would be killed illegally during the upcoming season.
Last year, the Game Management Authority detected 56 breaches in hunting compliance, further fuelling concerns about illegal activity and inadequate enforcement of hunting regulations.
“What a blood lust the premier must have to protect such a barbaric and outdated practice, that for decades the majority of the community have been clamouring to put behind us,” Ms Kopas said.
However, Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos stated that this year’s hunting regulations had been determined by the Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan, which sought to improve the safety and sustainability of the activity.
“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,” he 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.”
The updated regulations will see all new hunters seeking a license required to complete online knowledge training and testing. Hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of a lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
The season will commence on March 19, three weeks earlier than last year, and close on June 9. The start time is 8am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
In the Mitchell Shire, duck hunting is permitted in the Tallarook State Forest and Mount Disappointment State Forest.
