The 2021 duck hunting season will open on Wednesday 26 May 2021 and Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is reminding hunters to familiarise themselves with designated hunting areas at the water corporation’s lakes, dams and reservoirs.
The duck season will open at 8am on Wednesday 26 May 2021 and close 30 minutes after sunset on Monday 14 June 2021.
The bag limit is five game ducks per day for the entire season, and hunting the Blue-winged Shoveler is not permitted.
Changes to the 2021 duck season are in response to the continuing decline in duck abundance and breeding and reduced habitat across eastern Australia.
GMW storages where duck hunting is permitted include Cairn Curran Reservoir, Lake Hume, Tullaroop Reservoir, Lake Eppalock, Laanecoorie Reservoir, Greens Lake, Lake Eildon, Lake Buffalo, Waranga Basin, Lake Charm, Kangaroo Lake and Racecourse Lake, Lake Nillahcootie, and Lake Nagambie.
Wetlands or parts of wetlands may be closed to duck hunting to protect concentrations of rare or threatened species – updates can be found at
www.gma.vic.gov.au
Duck hunting is not allowed along the GMW channel network at any time.
GMW Manager Water Storage Services Martina Cusack asked hunters to be aware of other water users and residents when hunting at GMW storages.
“Our water storages are used by many people for a range of activities, and it’s important that you consider other members of the public and the environment by acting in a safe and responsible manner at all times,” Ms Cusack said.
“Duck hunters should also be aware that private property can adjoin GMW land, waterways and storages, and hunters are required to seek the consent of landholders to hunt or pass through private property.”
There are currently blue-green algae warnings at a number of GMW storages. Hunters and their dogs should avoid contact with water in these storages. To keep up to date with BGA warnings and advice throughout the season please visit
www.gmwater.com.au/news/bga
The use of firearms and hunting in public recreational areas and around storage assets is prohibited, as is camping. These areas are clearly signposted and can be seen in waterway maps that can be downloaded from
www.gmwater.com.au/duckhunting
For more information about duck hunting in Victoria and the 2021 duck season, visit the Victorian Game Management Authority website (
www.gma.vic.gov.au).