LOCAL farmers may spot helicopters regularly low-flying overhead before the year is out, as game duck populations are surveyed ahead of the 2023 hunting season.

Waterways in the Lake Mundi and Strathdownie areas, as well as along the Glenelg and Wannon rivers passing through Casterton toward Hamilton, will be paid a visit by wildlife biologists along with hundreds of other such sites across Victoria.

It is the third instance of an annual survey run by the Game Management Authority, a State Government body, to monitor the abundance of game duck populations and help improve knowledge of waterfowl ecology.

Alongside monitoring from helicopters, satellite imaging will be used to determine how much water is in the landscape, which will inform an estimate of the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.

GMA’s Jason Flesch said it was the largest and most comprehensive survey of game ducks undertaken in Victoria.

“This year, the survey will be expanded to cover more wetlands, sewerage ponds, farm dams, irrigation channels, creeks and rivers,” he said.

“In total, 800 water bodies will be surveyed by air and another 66 by ground crews.

“Results from this research give a better understanding of game duck populations and will be used in the future to inform adaptive harvest management.”

A variety of duck species inhabit waters in the region, including the Australian shelduck, the chestnut teal and the pink-eared duck.

The survey commenced on Friday, 14 October and was scheduled to conclude by the end of the month, but was postponed due to the ongoing flood crisis through much of Victoria.

It is anticipated to resume in late November or December, depending on conditions and access to survey sites.

The GMA said residents in surveyed areas may see a helicopter flying at low levels for a short time “and for no longer than is necessary” during the survey.

It also said an experienced helicopter operator had been contracted for the survey and minimising disturbances to stock, assets and ensuring public safety were “the highest priorities”.

A report containing the findings of the survey will be available on the GMA website in 2023.