The Victorian Government this morning announced changes to the season due to a reduction in habitat and low bird numbers because of prolonged dry conditions.

Bag limits have been reduced from five birds to three per day for the 2020 season

Seven game bird species are permitted to be hunted during the season, including the Pacific Black Duck, Mountain Duck and Chestnut Teal. Hunting of the Blue-winged Shoveler is prohibited for the entire 2020 season.

The season length has been shortened from nine weeks to five weeks, running from Saturday May 2 until 30 minutes after sunset on Monday June 8.

Hunting for the opening weekend will be allowed from 8am on Saturday and Sunday and must cease 30 minutes after sunset.

For the remainder of the season hunting can commence 30 minutes before sunrise, but must stop 30 minutes after sunset.

The Victorian Game Management Authority and police will patrol both public and private land to ensure compliance with hunting, animal welfare and public safety laws.

Details of any wetland closures will be published on the GMA website.

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