Duck hunt ban not all its quacked up to be as shooters would set sights on other targets

A ban on duck hunting is looming in SA, but the shooters who enjoy killing birds are fiercely defending their rights. Should duck hunting be banned? Have your say.

The economic impact of a ban on duck hunting would be minimal, with most hunters in a survey stating they would spend the money outdoors in other ways.

Opponents of hunting, The Australia Institute, surveyed 604 South Australians for a Parliamentary inquiry into the practice.

Institute director Noah Schultz-Byard said: “The economic impact of ending native bird hunting would be minimal, as 91 per cent of hunters say they would redirect spending to fishing, hunting other species and similar outdoor activities”.

“Three in four South Australians 76 per cent, support a ban on native bird hunting, including one in two, 48 per cent who strongly support the idea.

“Just one in eight 13 per cent oppose a ban, including just 4 per cent who are strongly opposed.”

The findings are similar to those of a recent RSPCA survey.

A Victorian police officer checks a duck shooter’s paperwork at Lake Connewarre near Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet

The Australia Institute survey of 604 South Australians, undertaken between 15 May and 22 May 2023, the results contained in The Australia Institute’s submission to the ongoing Parliamentary Inquiry into the Hunting of Native Birds.

“Native bird hunting is deeply unpopular, benefits very few people in South Australia and imposes costs on the community,” Mr Schultz-Byard said.

“Other states have banned native bird hunting with no apparent economic impact and hunters say that, in the event of a ban, they would simply pursue other activities.

This year the duck hunting season runs from 18 March 2023 to 25 June 2023, with five species allowed to be killed and three not.

There are selected reserves for hunting and the bag limit for each hunter is eight animals and eggs are not allowed to be taken.

RSPCA experts estimate 40,000 birds are killed each season in SA.

Labor MLC Reggie Martin initiated the SA Legislative Council inquiry.

Among the 49 submissions to the inquiry now made public by the investigating Committee, many hunters also had their say.

President of the Working Gundog Association of Australia David Mansfield said the sport contributed to SA tourism as it operated on a national circuit.

“Our members rely highly on native bird seasons to be able to work the traits of their gundog breed and removing this means they can no longer work or see these traits in gundogs,’’ he said.

“Along with South Australian economy losing out there would also be an impact to the Tasmanian rural economy as the South Australian contingent that normally would come across for hunting and competition would eventually be impacted.”

Hunter Geoff Watts said: “Some of the misinformation sprouted by some groups is extremely false”.

“Outlandish and extreme statements to the media that the duck populations are decreasing are blatant untruths.”

Hunter Royce Horsfall wrote to the committee arguing hunting practices were humane.

“I can see community values differ with mine, but education is essential, while the stocks are sustainable and the science and the regulated rules are in place it backs the collection of the birds.’’ he said.

“They are the best eating of all wild game and facilitates the only gathering of long-time friends for the season.

“Animal welfare is always high on my agenda, no shots are fired over 40 metres in my camp and clean kills are the objective.”