RSPCA wants to call off upcoming duck hunting season

The RSPCA has petitioned for the upcoming duck hunting season to be scratched, following concerns for an already declining population due to flooding. Have your say.

Duck hunting at Bool Lagoon: Ian Hetherington, Trevor Rescae, Les McDonnell and Ian McDonnell.

The upcoming duck hunting season should be cancelled the RSPCA South Australia has said, following concerns a hunt would exacerbate an already declining population due to flooding.

The government announced on Thursday that there would be a duck hunting season commencing on March 18 for three months but the RSPCA said numbers have already been declining with flooding in the Riverland.

The animal rights organisation’s SA animal welfare advocate Rebekah Eyers said the floods have already done enough damage without shooters taking aim at the birds.

Les McDonnell taking aim at Bool Lagoon.

“Some research has shown that duck abundance falls when water levels rise steeply, which removes microhabitats and creates unfavourable conditions for ducks,” Dr Eyers said.

“We believe it would be wise for government to take a precautionary approach and not call a 2023 duck shooting season.”

Dr Eyers said that ducks should not be hunted at all as they are not pests.

“These ducks are not pests, they are definitely not overabundant and our community wants them protected,” she said.

The government has responded to the call for a cancellation of the hunt, saying there has been no conservation reason to stop the season.

“The decision to proceed with duck hunting season is based on an assessment of wetland conditions, as well as the abundance and distribution of birds across South Australia,” a government spokesperson said.

“The assessment factors in climatic and landscape data and forecasts and is done in consultation with stakeholders, including hunting and non-hunting organisations.”

Environment Minister Susan Close said the government would look into the future of the sport.

“Duck hunting is a challenging issue for many people in the community, and I acknowledge the concerns raised by the Greens and other community members opposed to the practice,” Dr Close said.

“The state government will convene an inquiry to examine duck hunting this year to ensure South Australia’s approach reflects community expectations.”