2026 Duck Season – Wetland Closures and What Hunters Need to Know

**FOR FIELD & GAME AUSTRALIA MEMBERS - See link further below to Summary and 2026 Duck Season Presentation

Each year ahead of the Victorian duck season, the Environment Minister issues a Government Gazette notice setting out any wetlands that will be closed to hunting for that season. This is a formal process under the Wildlife Act 1975. The Game Management Authority (GMA) provides the advice to the Minister, publishes the information for hunters, and is responsible for enforcing the rules during the season.

These notices identify wetlands that are fully closed, partially closed, or subject to specific restrictions during the open season.

The announcement of closures is often a point of discussion within the hunting community. Hunters understandably take a strong interest when areas that have historically provided good hunting are affected. At the same time, these decisions are part of the government’s adaptive game management system, which attempts to balance hunting opportunity with conservation outcomes across Victoria’s wetlands.

Field & Game Australia remains actively engaged in this process. We advocate strongly for hunters and for continued access to public wetlands, while also recognising the importance of maintaining a responsible, science-based management system that keeps hunting sustainable and publicly defensible.

In 2026, one species highlights that balance particularly well: the Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler. Monitoring over recent years shows their numbers increasing steadily, which is excellent news and strengthens the long-term pathway for the species to potentially return to the list of huntable ducks.

Until any future reclassification occurs, however, the Australasian Shoveler remains a protected species. As their population grows, hunters will naturally encounter them more often in Victorian wetlands. This means careful identification remains important, particularly when distinguishing shovelers—especially females—from similar species on the wing.

The good news is that Victorian duck hunters have long demonstrated strong species identification skills, and the vast majority approach hunting with care and responsibility. Taking a moment to confirm a bird before shooting is simply part of ethical waterfowling.

Each year a number of wetlands across Victoria are closed to hunting as part of the state’s adaptive wildlife management framework. These decisions are made under the Wildlife Act 1975 and form part of a broader approach that balances hunting opportunity with conservation outcomes across Victoria’s wetland network.

To view the full list of closures and the official Government Gazette notice, hunters should refer to the Game Management Authority website. View the official wetland closure information: https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/.../wetland-closures-duck-season

With good rainfall across parts of the state this year, birds will be moving around the landscape. Hunters should remain attentive to the species present in an area and continue to prioritise positive identification before shooting.

If a non-target species is found downed, it should be collected and reported so it can contribute to monitoring and management knowledge. As always, hunters should retrieve all birds taken and avoid leaving any birds in wetlands, ensuring game and non-game species alike are handled responsibly.

Victorian duck hunters have a long record of being active stewards of wetlands and wildlife. Responsible hunting practices, careful identification, and proper retrieval of birds all help reinforce that reputation and ensure hunting remains a respected and valued part of Victoria’s conservation landscape.

READ OUR 2026 VICTORIAN HUNTING SEASON SUMMARY AND PRESENTATION SLIDES - AS PRESENTED AT THE GEELONG AND BENIGO DUCK INFORMATION EXPOS