LOCAL residents and traders have raised concerns with a retiring Federal politician’s calls to cancel the 2016 duck hunting season
Labor MP Kelvin Thomson recently wrote to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, “urging” the government to cancel the season.
The long-serving member for Wills, which covers Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs, wants this year’s season postponed to give “ducks and other waterbirds a chance to get through what is a particularly tough year in our wetlands without the pressure of being shot at”.
“I have for some time held the view that it was time for Victoria to put an end to duck shooting, as other Australian States have done,” he said.
“With the best intentions, it is not possible to ensure that birds are all killed humanely, and there are inevitably many instances of animal cruelty with each duck season.
“It is also not possible to ensure that only legitimate target species are killed.”
The cancellation of the 2016 and future seasons would have detrimental effects on businesses and the community, according to Loddon Valley Disposals manager, Julie Davey.
“Duck hunting opening is one of key shopping periods for some of the area’s businesses, and there is a flow-on effect,” she said.
“Although fashion outlets may not benefit, those who come here rely on accommodation, food and petrol.”
If the season does not proceed, it will be the first time since 2008 that the opportunity to hunt duck will not occur locally.
“When it was cancelled a few years ago people still brought their families up, treating the time as a getaway, but were fishing instead of hunting,” Mrs Davey said.
“When duck season resumes many people came into the store saying that they went hunting with their dad when they were children, and were looking forward to taking their kids out.”
Cr Mark Arians, who is one of the Gannawarra Shire Council’s Patchell Ward representatives, accepts there are residents who have differing views on the matter, but welcomes those who visit the area for hunting purposes.
“People need to remember that even before the season starts, various governmental departments assess each wetland and waterway to determine if hunting can proceed,” Cr Arians said.
“As long as hunters act in a legal and responsible manner, then we accept them coming to the area.”
A decision regarding the 2016 season, which usually runs from the third Saturday in March to the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, is yet to be made.
Bendigo Field and Game conservation officer, Mark Daley defended duck shooting as an “ethical and legal activity”.
“Basically all water fowl hunters have passed the [waterfowl identification test], they’re competent firearm users,” he said.
“These comments are coming from a minister that’s probably never been out of the office; we’ve been raised in the bush.”
