The Government is committed to ensuring all game hunting in Victoria is
conducted in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner.
The Game
Management Authority (GMA) is the independent statutory authority responsible
for the regulation of game hunting in Victoria.
As part of its important
role, the GMA is addressing:
- the sustainable
harvest of game species;
- the humane treatment of animals that are
hunted and used in game hunting;
- minimising any negative impacts on
non-game wildlife, including protected and threatened species; and
- the
conservation of wildlife habitats.
The GMA is investigating how
international jurisdictions have successfully reduced wounding rates. The
GMA continues to develop a range of educational materials to ensure effective
and efficient hunting of
game birds and encourages hunters to attend
practical field training to ensure they have the correct
knowledge and
skills, including marksmanship, to be a responsible duck hunter.
All duck
hunters are required to dispatch wounded ducks immediately on recovery. The GMA
has published
new guidelines to assist hunters in the humane dispatch of
downed ducks. The guidelines are available at
gma.vic.gov.au. The new
guidelines were developed in consultation with animal welfare groups and
hunting organisations.
The government will not tolerate any activity
contrary to its commitment to safe, responsible and
sustainable hunting by
either hunters or other members of the Victorian community. I encourage
hunters
and other members of the Victorian community to report any
perceived illegal activity on wetlands to
either Crime Stoppers at 1800
333 000 or the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.