The majority of the three-week Victorian season was spent with Melbourne in lockdown and travel restrictions in place, resulting in less out-of-town hunters on the wetlands and more locals on farms and in crops.
Shepparton's Trelly’s Outdoors owner Steven Threlfall said there may have been less hunters this year, but those who made the effort were hunting multiple times.
“Because of the limited season people were more active and going out more,” Mr Threlfall said.
“Those who got themselves organised weren’t unpacking their cars after every hunt, because they knew they were going to be out in a few days anyway.”
With reduced hunter numbers on top of a sizeable duck population, the hunting conditions were excellent.
“For the guys who got out, it was great. There were stacks of birds around,” Mr Threlfall said.
“The rain has spread them out and we’ve had some unseasonal breeding conditions too this year. The numbers of ducks is just perfect for maintaining a sustainable season.”
Significant rainfall and warmer weather finished the season out beautifully for hunters who prefer warm and cloudy conditions.
Approved water bodies for hunting in the local area included Lake Nillahcootie, Greens Lake, Lake Eildon, Lake Charm and Kangaroo Lake, in addition to the Waranga Basin.
Waranga Basin Caravan Park said no hunters stayed in the park and no hunting activity was seen or heard in the basin this season.
With more hunters making use of their friend and family connections and shooting on private property, it is expected ducks who prefer farmland over wetland will make up a significant percentage of the bagged game this year.
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