IT is well and truly time that recreational duck shooting in Victoria be binned and consigned to the history books of shame.
Permanently.
Kerang and surrounds have a smorgasbord of magnificent wetlands. Indeed Kerang is even known as Victoria’s Little Kakadu due to to the breathtaking scenery, Indigenous history, as well as the flora and fauna.
Field & Game Australia (Australia’s main hunting group) are stating that a “leak” has come about into the current parliamentary inquiry in getting recreational duck shooing banned in Victoria: “… as early as next year, according to reports.” (Hit for hunt, Gannawarra Times, August 22)
It is quoted in the article that: “The reports suggest a parliamentary inquiry is set to recommend a total ban on recreational duck shooting in 2024”.
Having personally attended every single duck shooting opening weekend plus subsequent weekends since 1996, I have encountered the most disgusting cruelty towards gentle native waterbird species as well as protected species that would be of an arrest-able nature if this ever happened on public town ponds such as Melbourne, Bendigo et al.
As this disgusting activity occurs in the bush it is therefore “out of place so out of mind” and it continues.
That the recreational shooting of native waterbird species continues on in this age is deplorable, contemptible and beyond disgusting.
More than ever, consumers can buy their meat from supermarkets.
Field & Game Australia pride themselves on being the “true conservationists”. What “conservationists” shoot their opposition in the back as they do with waterbird species?
If “some insiders believe that members of the committee, who are pushing for a complete ban on native game-bird hunting, released the report as a strategic move in an attempt to sway public opinion…”, then I am in full agreement.
Living where I do, I have encountered unprecedented cruelty against native waterbird species that is wildlife homicide and genocide.
I would suggest to the very tiny minority of duck shooters (incidentally 99 per cent come from Melbourne) that they utilise their target ranges instead.
There is far more skill in shooting at a target range than shooting, wounding and killing gentle, beautiful, sentient bird species.
Here’s hoping the government sees sense and bans this despicable activity once and for all so that generations to come can see these wonderful wetlands and admire the beauty of the birds, animals, and Indigenous heritage instead.
Kate Bossence
Kerang
