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The 'watermellons' are at it again however:

Greens slam re-opening of duck shooting season

Greens MLC Mark Parnell has slammed the Government's decision to allow a resumption of duck and quail shooting in South Australia after a 2 year break.

"This is a terrible decision. When birds are already struggling to find any decent water in South Australia, they will now be blasted by shotguns when they do," said Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

"Our understanding is that this decision is based on an increase in national bird numbers. Just because numbers are up in Queensland and NSW because of decent rains over the last 12 months doesn't mean we have more birds here in SA.

"In fact, the most recent state wetland survey found that bird numbers in SA haven't significantly changed - 2008 numbers show a 2.6 % increase from 2007, but this is still 53.6% less than 2003 numbers.

"Ramsar listed wetlands in the State's South East are under serious threat from this Government with the announcement of the Wellington Weir EIS, and now the opening of the duck shooting season. How many more bullets can this Government fire at native birds?" he said.

South Australia is only one of three states left who allow duck shooting. WA, Qld and NSW have all banned the practice. South Australia has not had a season for at least the last 2 years because of low bird numbers. Yet despite numbers not significantly increasing and wetlands under severe stress, the Government has allowed a 'restricted'duck and quail hunting season from 28 March.

"Duck shooting is not a sport - it's a cruel and inhumane practice. Shooting defenceless native birds out of the sky when they seek refuge has no place in a compassionate society.

"The Minister's line about a 'restricted season is just spin: the truth is the Rann Government has declared open season on ducks in South Australia," he said.

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