Equally, where the evidence supports a sustainable harvest, hunters should have confidence that the regulatory system will recognise that evidence. 

This approach is preferable to season settings being driven by political pressure or assumptions about the impact of hunting. 

What evidence should be required? 

One of the more important discussions during the GMA season feedback process concerned the evidence used when considering additional restrictions on hunting. 

Issues raised included hunting disturbance, animal welfare, ecological effects and the potential implications of H5N1 avian influenza. 

These are legitimate issues for regulators, researchers and hunting organisations to consider. 

The question is what the available evidence shows and how it should be used in decision-making. 

There is an important difference between identifying a potential risk and demonstrating an impact that requires a regulatory response. 

FGA supports proportionate regulation based on demonstrated risk. 

Where additional restrictions are proposed, hunters should be able to understand the evidence supporting them and how the proposed response relates to that evidence. 

H5N1 and future season decisions 

H5N1 is an important new consideration for Australian wildlife management. 

International experience shows that the virus can have serious effects on some wild-bird populations. It also shows considerable variation between species and populations. 

Recent scientific work, including research provided to FGA following the GMA feedback session, reinforces the need for good population and mortality data. 

Some populations internationally have experienced substantial mortality, while some species, including mallards and other dabbling ducks, can become infected without obvious clinical disease. 

This makes monitoring particularly important. 

Detection of H5N1 tells us that the virus is present. It does not, on its own, tell us the population-level effect on Victorian game ducks or whether an otherwise sustainable harvest has become unsustainable. 

Those questions require evidence. 

Mortality surveillance, population monitoring, diagnostic information and other ecological data should be considered together when future season settings are determined. 

FGA will continue to support sensible biosecurity measures and will work with government agencies where our members and conservation volunteers can assist. 

We will also continue to argue that future hunting decisions should reflect measured population impacts rather than the presence of the virus alone. 

Wetland closures and communication 

Wetland closures and reopenings were another issue raised during the 2026 season feedback. 

There will be circumstances where a wetland needs to be closed. This may occur for environmental, conservation, public-safety or biosecurity reasons. 

Where this happens, hunters need timely and accurate information. 

Many hunters travel considerable distances and plan trips well in advance. Late changes or unclear information can create unnecessary problems for hunters and regulators alike. 

FGA would like to see continuing improvement in the way closure and reopening decisions are communicated, including clear information about why a wetland has been closed and when its status changes. 

Good communication helps hunters comply and improves confidence in the management system. 

Hunters have a role beyond the season. 

The discussion about duck hunting should also recognise what occurs outside the hunting season. 

FGA members and branches have a long history of wetland restoration, habitat improvement, pest-animal management, monitoring and other conservation work. 

This includes substantial volunteer effort at wetlands such as the Connewarre Wetlands Centre and other sites across Victoria. 

We want to expand that contribution. 

There is an opportunity for government, land managers, researchers and organisations such as FGA to work more closely on wetland condition, wildlife monitoring, pest management and practical conservation. 

Hunters are not simply users of wetlands during a hunting season. Many have a long-term interest in maintaining healthy wetlands and abundant wildlife. 

Looking towards 2027 

The 2026 season provides several useful lessons. 

Hunter compliance should continue to be monitored and regulations enforced. 

Adaptive Harvest Management should continue to develop as a transparent, evidence-based approach to determining season settings. 

Wetland closure and reopening processes can be improved. 

The effects of H5N1 need careful monitoring using population and mortality data. 

And where additional restrictions on hunting are proposed, the evidence supporting those restrictions should be available and capable of scrutiny. 

FGA will continue working with the Game Management Authority, government, researchers and other stakeholders on these issues. 

With the Victorian election approaching, we will also be asking political parties and candidates to state clearly how they intend to approach sustainable hunting and game management. 

Our position is practical: regulate hunting properly, enforce the rules, monitor wildlife populations and environmental conditions, and make future decisions using the best available evidence. 

For more information: 

https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/media-releases/2026/2026-duck-season-compliance-update2