LAKE Wongan State Game Reserve near Streatham in western Victoria will reopen for duck hunting today.

The previously closed lake will be open 30 minutes before sunrise today, as recent monitoring has shown that the large number of brolga (a threatened species) previously on the wetland have now left the site.

Game Management Authority (GMA) acting chief executive, Paul Stevens, said regularly monitoring Victoria’s wetlands helped to ensure that threatened species were protected, and duck hunting remained sustainable.

“Officials monitor open and closed wetlands throughout the season,” he said.

“The hunting status of these wetlands may change if circumstances change.

“Occasionally wetlands, or parts of wetlands, may be closed to duck hunting or be further regulated to protect concentrations of rare or threatened species from disturbance or being mistakenly shot.

“If the reason for the closure no longer exists, they may be reopened to hunting.

“As always, hunters should be on the lookout for protected species and clearly identify their target before shooting.”

Victoria’s 2022 duck season closes 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, June 13.

GMA Game Officers, Victoria Police and other authorised officers from partner agencies will remain active throughout private and public land across the state for the remainder of the season to ensure people act in a safe and responsible manner.

For more information on the duck season and wetland closures, visit gma.vic.gov.au.