The Victorian Duck Hunters Association (VDHA) has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of the conditions for the 2025 duck hunting seasons starting on Wednesday, March 19.
VDHA is pleased the government’s commitment to deliver safe, sustainable and responsible hunting continues to be delivered as per the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan.
“We commend the government’s approach to utilising sound science in the decision. With good seasonal conditions hunters can take to the field once again with confidence, continuing long held traditions, enhance familial bonds, harvest free range game and importantly contribute to regional economies,” the association said in a statement.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced the settings for the 2025 duck hunting season, determined by the science-based Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan.
The 2025 duck season will open on Wednesday, March 19 and close on Monday, June 9. The start time is 8am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
The daily bag limit is nine ducks, and seven duck game species can be hunted. The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot for quail hunting is also banned.
This year is the first season the Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model will be used to guide the daily bag limit in Victoria, with the modelling tailored to Victoria’s unique conditions, habitats and species.
Recreational duck and quail hunting is a legitimate activity, and it matters to thousands of Victorians who love the great outdoors and regional businesses who benefit, but it needs to proceed safely and sustainably.
From this season, all new hunters seeking a license are required to do mandatory online knowledge training and testing – including Aboriginal cultural awareness training – as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan. All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete this training.
VDHA is particularly pleased the AHM model will be fixed for the next three years.
“Hunters should stay safe, follow regulations, be aware of their surroundings and continue the exemplary behaviours that produces extremely high historical and ongoing compliance rates,” VDHA said.
“This also extends to camping, campfire and removal of rubbish which is a cornerstone of responsible use of great Victorian outdoors.”
