I am writing in response to the letter in The Gannawarra Times on April 23, titled ‘Making light of cruelty’.
Could I respectfully point out that since settlement duck hunting has been a legitimate pastime, not only in Australia, but in most parts of the free world.
Duck hunters over the past years have been under scrutiny. For myself I have partaken in the annual duck hunt, from 1953 in Kerang, then Sale, Tarwin, and Leongatha.
Over the past 45 years or so we have seen regulation after regulation introduced, not only with safety to individuals in mind, but also to assist in sustainability of the species.
Bag limits were introduced to maintain breeding stability.
We had to purchase a duck hunting licence, then a requirement to register all firearms, then a duck sighting test (I held an AA qualification).
Could I suggest that many of the regulations were introduced in consultation with the Victorian Field and Game Association.
Ms Bossence complains that decapitated duck heads and wings were thrown on her front yard. Personally I find this to be an act of sheer, unwarranted vandalism.
Though I find it extremely hard to believe that this could be the work of a fair-dinkum duck shooter.
If my memory serves me right many years back a similar act of totally stupid vandalism was enacted on the steps of the Victorian Government in Spring St, Melbourne.
This was, at the time proved to be the work of a group of anti-shooting lobbyists.
Regarding my suggestion of forming a coalition against fishing and remarks made to me personally, I reluctantly advise this proposal will not proceed.
I thank all who spoke to me supporting my letter.
I would propose a meeting, following a cooling-off period, of say, next Australia Day of all parties concerned at 8am, 500 metres east of Gorton Point, at Kangaroo Lake.
Neil Gannon,
Kerang
