DURING the 2024 duck season, the Game Management Authority (GMA) ran 511 waterway and wetland patrols on private and public land across Victoria.

The GMA worked in partnership with Victoria Police, DEECA, Safe Transport Victoria, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Parks Victoria to regulate the 2024 duck season.

Authorised officers checked more than 1550 Game Licences and inspected more than 1200 hunter bags.

A total of 56 breaches were detected throughout the 2024 duck season.

GMA will issue 22 infringement notices and is conducting 32 investigations related to these matters.

26 hunting related offences were detected, with the main offence themes being an invalid Game Licence, being in possession of toxic shot and failing to leave a wing attached.

23 persons were suspected of breaching public safety laws by entering or remaining in a specified hunting area or hindering or harassing hunters.

As a result, the GMA issued 22 Banning Notices.

GMA chief executive, Graeme Ford said the majority of people involved in the 2024 duck season acted safely and responsibly.

“While some people breached game hunting and public safety laws, most of the people our authorised officers spoke with were complying with the law,” he said.

However, there was an increase in the number of suspected breaches to public safety laws detected over the 2024 Season.

“Public safety laws are in place to provide a safe environment for all land users,” Mr Ford said.

“While those who oppose duck hunting have a right to protest, they must do so safely and legally.”

Seven non-hunters were also being investigated for hindering or obstructing an authorised officer.