I don’t know whether Neil Gannon was trying to be satirically amusing with his letter: “Time to scrap fishing.” He clearly failed.
He states: “l am seeking expressions of interest in the formation of the coalition against fishing”.
Perhaps this individual thinks it is amusing to write a sarcastic letter pertaining to fishing. This had absolutely nothing to do with duck shooting but everything to do with the intolerance of some people who do not either respect a different opinion or worse, try to make light of animal cruelty.
I make no exaggeration when it comes to the utter cruelty and futility of duck shooting in Victoria.
What makes this even worse is the fact that these are native bird species whose numbers (regardless of what gun groups and shooters themselves say) are declining rapidly due to climate change and duck shooting.
I am sick to death of the ignorance and indeed attitudes of those who support this. I have a voice and shall not be silenced on an issue that l have been passionate about for 28 years.
Neil Gannon concludes his letter by stating: “Is this any more ludicrous than the continual rants about duck hunting?”
Evidently my “rants” have moved him to write a (quite frankly) stupid and highly unamusing letter as a result. If my letters cause him and his ilk such offence then l suggest he does not read them.
Last week my residence was targeted by (unknown but more than likely local duck shooters) with decapitated duck heads and wings in the gutter of my driveway and kerb side lawn. I reported this to the Kerang Police and furthermore (due to the seriousness of this cowardly, cruel, disgusting and pathetic act) made a statement.
I am really ashamed and disgusted, that in such a beautiful town as Kerang, this type of behaviour against someone who happens to be opposed to duck shooting, should be the target of such malicious and vengeful behaviour.
I love Kerang but this experience by this person(s) has greatly tainted my living here, particularly as they know my residential address.
There was nothing “coincidental” about this act. It was deliberate, pathetic, cruel and gutless.
Throwing decapitated duck heads and wings on a resident’s driveway and in the gutter was a sadistic and completely baseless, inane act.
What makes these individual(s) behave this way l would not like to speculate on but it left me feeling sickened that such individuals live in the district.
I will not be silenced nor “conform” into someone who accepts recreational duck shooting as “part of living in the bush.”
This was popular in the heyday of the Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte in the 1950s.
It is now 2024 and it is time people take a stand and join me in pushing to permanently ban this outdated and cruel sport. Let’s really put Kerang on the map as a warm, kind, welcoming regional country town and make use of the RAMSAR listed wetlands to tourists, nature lovers, families, bird watchers, photographers and campers.
Due to my very strong beliefs l have been marginalised by many. It is unfortunate that some chose to behave this way but quite frankly l am far more focused on the much much bigger picture in getting recreational duck shooting banned in this state for good.
People cannot go and visit these (and other) wetlands during the duck shooting season due to the dangers of heavily camouflaged men with loaded shotguns struttering around the wetlands as if they it is their own private real estate.
Enough is enough.
Kate Bossence,
Kerang
