The State Government is ensuring the duck hunting season in Victoria is sustainable, safe and backed by science.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos recently announced the settings for the 2025 duck hunting season, determined by the science-based Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
“Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and we’re making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly – backed by science,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“Our wounding reduction action plan will improve animal welfare and is a significant step to make sure recreational hunting can continue sustainably in Victoria.”
This year is the first season the Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model will be used to guide the daily bag limit in Victoria, with the modelling tailored to Victoria’s unique conditions, habitats and species.
Recreational duck and quail hunting is a legitimate activity, and it matters to thousands of Victorians who love the great outdoors and regional businesses who benefit, but it needs to proceed safely and sustainably.
From this season, all new hunters seeking a license are required to do mandatory online knowledge training and testing – including Aboriginal cultural awareness training – as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan. All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
The 2025 duck season will open on Wednesday, March 19 2025 and close on Monday, June 9 2025.
The start time is 8am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
The 2025 daily bag limit is nine ducks, and seven duck game species can be hunted. The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
HUNTERS SUPPORT MOVE
In a statement from the Victorian Duck Hunters Association (VDHA), the group has welcomed the State Government’s announcement made by Minister Dimopoulos of the season conditions for the 2025 Victorian Game bird season starting on March 19.
“VDHA is pleased that the government’s commitment to deliver safe, sustainable and responsible hunting continues to be delivered as per the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan and we commend the Governments approach to utilising sound science in the decision.
“With good seasonal conditions hunters can take to the field once again with confidence, continuing long held traditions, enhance familial bonds, harvest free range game and importantly contribute to regional economies.
“In 2019 recreational hunting was worth an estimated $356 million to the Victorian economy, refer; Game Hunting | Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
“This season introduces new regulatory conditions for new licence holders and in the coming years all licence holders will complete the extra regulatory components upon game licence renewals to continue hunting.
“The world class leading science developed by the Victorian Game Management Authority and Arthur Rylah Institute using Australian data and experience in a highly technical scientific approach to season settings and bag limits all while maintaining a safe, sustainable and responsible harvest is applauded.
“Hunters are reminded to check the seasonal conditions, particularly the 8am start time for the first five days and familiarise themselves with the nine bird bag limit this year which excludes Blue Wing Shoveler.
“Hunters should also be aware of actions required when harassed and intimidated in the field by anti-hunting activists. VDHA calls on the Government regulators and law enforcement to monitor and apply the human safety regulations to ensure hunters can safely participate without the unwanted illegal actions of activists, while continuing to hunt lawfully.
“VDHA is particularly pleased that the AHM model will be fixed for the next three years and is content that while the AHM model development continues with the Ultra Conservative off take in the model fixed at 10 per cent.
“Hunters should stay safe, follow regulations, be aware of their surroundings and continue the exemplary behaviours that produces extremely high historical and ongoing compliance rates.
“This also extends to camping, campfire and removal of rubbish which is a cornerstone of responsible use of great Victorian Outdoors.”
The Labor Government has invested $11.6 million to ensure the proper compliance and enforcement measures are in place so duck hunting remains safe and sustainable into the future.
Further details about the 2025 season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the Game Management Authority (GMA) website.
