Birdlife Tasmania is calling for a stop on duck hunting this season

An advocacy group for native Tasmanian birds has called on the State Government to cancel the upcoming duck hunting season.

BIRDLIFE Tasmania has called on the State Government to cancel the upcoming duck hunting season, which is fewer than two weeks away.

The group said many mainland ducks had sought refuge in Tasmania, and that shooting these animals was “indefensible”.

“We know there is extensive movement across Bass Strait during dry conditions on

the mainland. Tasmania is a refuge for many species of waterfowl from the southeast

Australian mainland,’’ Birdlife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler said.

PROTESTERS TAKE AIM AT TASSIE DUCK HUNT

“We have seen an influx of mainland species of waterfowl to Tasmania – these birds

are looking to see out the mainland drought – the last thing that should happen is that

they get shot here in Tasmania.”

The upcoming duck hunting season is fewer than two weeks away. Picture: YURI KOUZMIN

Dr Woehler said the mainland was suffering severe drought, with many river systems and lakes at record low levels.

“Tasmania has been fortunate this year, with our wetlands and rivers able to support the extra birds from the mainland,’’ he said.

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“The Tasmanian Government should recognise the catastrophic circumstances Australia is facing at the moment, and acknowledge the special role Tasmania’s wetlands and rivers are providing, and immediately call off the 2020 duck season to give mainland birds a better chance of surviving the current drought.”

A spokesman from the Department of Primary Industries said the government recognises appropriately managed hunting as a legitimate recreational activity in Tasmania, and says there is sufficient monitoring in place.

“As part of the sustainable management of the duck hunting in Tasmania, the open season is for a specific period of time, only certain species are able to be taken, bag limits apply as well as waterfowl identification tests for hunters taking part in the season,” he said.

“Compliance activities are undertaken as part of ensuring compliance with rules and regulations.

“The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment undertakes monitoring of the harvested species annually using waterfowl counts and by collecting harvest and sample data to help ensure the sustainability of takes.”

The season is due to run from March 7 until June 8.

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