The Allan Labor Government is ensuring the duck hunting season in Victoria is sustainable, safe and backed by science.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today 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.
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.
The 2025 duck season will open on Wednesday, 19 March 2025 and close on Monday, 9 June 2025. The start time is 8:00am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.
The 2025 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.
We're also giving hunters certainty about future seasons with the dates for the next three years set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations.
The Labor Government has invested $11.6 million to ensure the proper compliance and enforcement measures are in place so duck hunting remains safe and sustainable into the future.
Further details about the 2025 season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the Game Management Authority (GMA) website at gma.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and we're making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly - backed by science."
"Our wounding reduction action plan will improve animal welfare and is a significant step to make sure recreational hunting can continue sustainably in Victoria."
