Victorian hunters will be allowed to take up to nine ducks per day during the 2026 duck hunting season, with the state government confirming arrangements that will apply across wetlands including those in East Gippsland.
The season will open at 8am on Wednesday, March 18, and close 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, June 8, under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024. For the first five days, hunting will be permitted from 8am until 30 minutes after sunset. After that, daily start times shift to 30 minutes before sunrise, with hunting still ending 30 minutes after sunset.
Seven game duck species can be hunted this year: Pacific black duck, grey teal, chestnut teal, wood duck, mountain duck, hardhead and pink-eared duck.
The Victorian Government said the nine-bird daily bag limit was informed by modelling used in its Adaptive Harvest Management program, which aims to ensure duck hunting remains sustainable each year based on environmental conditions and waterbird populations.
The 2026 arrangements are largely unchanged from last year but reflect a significant easing compared with seasons earlier in the decade. Between 2021 and 2023, bag limits were as low as four ducks and season lengths were reduced due to dry conditions. Since then, improved wetland conditions have allowed a return to full-length seasons and higher bag limits, with the nine-bird limit now retained for a second consecutive year.
The Game Management Authority (GMA) and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will monitor wetlands across the state, including in Gippsland, leading up to and during the season. Some wetlands may be subject to additional restrictions or temporary closures if threatened species or breeding waterbirds are present.
Hunters are being urged to check the GMA website regularly for updates on local wetland closures and management actions before heading out.
All duck hunters must hold a valid Game Licence and Firearms Licence. As part of licence conditions, all new and renewing gamebird licence applicants must complete an online education program, while first-time duck hunters must also pass the Waterfowl Identification Test.
GMA game officers, Victoria Police and authorised officers will patrol wetlands during the season to ensure hunters
comply with safety requirements and regulations.
Full details of the 2026 season, including local wetland updates, are available
on the Game Management Authority website.
