The Victorian Government has just announced a 2020 duck shooting season.

This inexcusable decision to green light the cruel slaughter of waterbirds comes at a critical time for wildlife, in the wake of drought, bushfires and already declining populations.

These wetlands should be havens for wild birds recovering from the fires, not killing fields where they are slaughtered for fun.

Duck numbers are still recovering after low water levels in recent years and protected species and other waterbirds often fall victim to duck hunters. In addition to this our native water birds are under attack from thousands of shooters, who are often inexperienced and reckless. Many birds are shot but not killed outright, and left to die slow torturous deaths. Some will drown, unable to swim or fly any further due to painful injuries.

Duck shooting has been banned in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales and according to a 2007 Morgan Poll, an overwhelming 87% of Victorians support a ban on duck shooting, including many who live locally to wetlands where duck shooting takes place. It seems undeniable that the Victorian Government’s policies on this issue are lagging behind the current values and beliefs of our society.

Our native water birds have the right to live unharmed and in peace in their natural home. Please help to end this barbarism, tell our Premier the killing must end now!