Three local reserves have closed to duck hunters due to the presence of rare or threatened species.
Lake Boort at Boort, Clydebank Morass State Game Reserve near Clydebank and an area of Dowd Morass State Game Reserve near Longford have re-opened across the state for the remainder of the duck hunting season.
However the three local reserves previously closed in the region have not be re-opened due to the risk of threatened species being disturbed or mistakenly shot.
Winchelsea’s Lake Modewarre remains closed due to the presence of the Blue-winged Shoveler, while Lake Murdeduke State Game Reserve is closed due to the Blue-billed Duck.
Lake Connewarre except Reedy Lakes and Hospital Swamps at Barwon Heads is also closed due to the Orange-bellied Parrot.
Game Management Authority says changes could still be made as the season continues.
“Wetlands or parts of wetlands may be closed to duck hunting or be further regulated to protect concentrations of threatened species from disturbance or being mistakenly shot,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Colonies of breeding waterbirds can be disturbed and abandon their nests and chicks.
“Wetlands will continue to be monitored throughout the season. Hunters are reminded to check the GMA website regularly for updates before they go hunting.”
The season will finish on June 5.
