Free range organic meat can be harvested during the duck season

Free range organic meat can be harvested during the duck season. Victorian duck season opened Saturday, March 18, 2017 and the season closes Monday, June 12, 2017. 

Pre season sunset

A Pink Eared Duck

Duck season is a customary trip away for many and is an important economic contributor to the rural economy, bringing 26,000 licensed duck hunters to small towns and regional centres across the state.

Environmental conditions, waterfowl habitat availability, duck population distribution and abundance are reviewed each year to ensure hunting continues to be a sustainable recreation.

Duck shooting is well regulated and you must have:

1. Completed and passed the Victorian Firearms Safety Course.

2. Been granted a Firearms license from the police, and passed the ‘fit and proper person test’ 

The Firearms Act 1996 requires that you must be a 'fit and proper person' to possess, carry, use, acquire or dispose of a firearm. You are not considered to be fit and proper if you have:

• a history of irresponsible handling of firearms
• been deemed to be a 'prohibited person'
• findings of guilt for crimes of violence
• not proven to be of good character
• a criminal history associated with firearms (e.g. armed robbery, assault with a weapon, attempted murder and murder)
• provided false or misleading information to the police in a firearms matter
• a record of physical or mental illness which medical evidence suggests debars you from owning or using firearms
• a record of drug or alcohol misuse which medical advice suggests debars you from owning or using a firearm
• failed to possess sufficient knowledge and competency in the carriage and use of firearms (e.g. you have not completed or failed the Victorian Firearms Safety Course).

3. Passed the Waterfowl Identification Test.

4. Been granted a A Game License from the Victorian Game Authority endorsed for Game Birds (including ducks).

5. You can only use a shotgun to hunt ducks that does not exceed 12 gauge or have more than two barrels. 

6. Only non-toxic shot can be used (not lead)

7. For 20127 there is a daily bag limit of 10 ducks per day, with no Blue-winged shoveler permitted.

8. When hunting duck, carry your current Game Licence endorsed for duck and Firearms Licence.

So if you know a hunter or shooter you can rest assured they are a law abiding and well vetted member of your community.

Most if not all duck shooters humanly dispatch birds and fully utilise them for food. Free range organic food.