Right: Ducks on a swamp in the morning: Australian duck shooting may be in its last years. Further implications
It would appear that duck hunting's days may well be numbered in both South Australia and Victoria. These are the only remaining mainland states in which recreational duck shooting is still legal. Further, both these states have cancelled their duck hunting seasons in recent years in response to drought conditions and reduced bird numbers.The improved conditions in New South Wales has been used to support the declaration of a limited duck hunting season in Victoria this year. The argument being that if conditions are better for the birds in part of their territory, in areas where they are able to breed, then it should be possible to hunt them in Victoria without unduly affecting their numbers.
What casts doubt on this argument is that duck hunting has been banned in New South Wales since 1995.
It would further appear that general concern about global warming, drought and the diminished state of the major waterways and wetlands in southeastern Australia is likely to reduce popular support for duck hunting. Current surveys already indicate that more than 80% of Victorians are opposed to duck hunting.
It has been suggested that part of the reason for the Victorian Government allowing a duck hunting season this year is to regain political support in regional electorates. However, it may be that even in regional Victoria attitudes are changing. In the aftermath of the Victorian bush fires, one hunter was reported expressing concern about duck numbers. 'I want to see what the duck numbers look like with my own eyes. Then I'll think about whether I want to shoot any this year.'