News releases - Ian Hunter
2018 duck and quail season announced
Ian Hunter December 27, 2017

South Australia will have a duck and quail season in 2018, with hunters able to take the full bag of 12 ducks per hunter per day for the first time since 2013.

The season will be slightly restricted, with blue-winged shovelers continuing to be excluded, while the limit for stubble quail has been reduced to 20 from the traditional full bag of 25.

Duck season begins on 17 February 2018 and finishes on 24 June. Quail season runs from 17 February to 26 August.

Background

South Australian legislation allows for properly managed and regulated hunting of game birds by licensed shooters.

Last year’s limit was 10 ducks and 25 quail per hunter per day.

Blue-winged shovelers have been excluded from the list of ducks that can be hunted since 2003.

Duck and quail hunters in South Australia must hold a valid gun licence and a permit from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, and must have passed a waterfowl identification test.

They must also use non-toxic shot and comply with the Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Birds by Shooting.

For more information on duck and quail hunting permits, please visit www.environment.sa.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter

The decision to allow a duck and quail season is based on scientific research and consultation with stakeholder groups, including hunting and conservation organisations.

This year’s full bag of 12 ducks per day per hunter is up from 10 last year, reflecting current good environmental conditions and strong duck numbers.

The limit for stubble quail has been reduced to 20 a day as a cautionary measure due to breeding trends.

Bool Lagoon and Bucks Lake in the South East will once again be closed to hunters, and the blue-winged shoveler will be excluded from hunting due to ongoing concerns about the population.

https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php/...eason-announced