Duck rescuers needed

Wednesday, April 4, 2001 - 10:00

BY ROBERT MILNE

MELBOURNE — It is 7.20am, on March 17 — the official opening day of the 2001 duck hunting season. A shooter stands in the frigid water dressed in camouflage. A flock of black ducks approaches. A loud whistle shatters the peace. Three duck rescuers, clad in white and fluorescent yellow, jump around yelling, waving their arms about. The ducks fly off to safety.

Other rescuers wade through the reeds looking for injured birds. Also found are the carcasses of 10 protected native birds, including two black swans and an endangered freckled duck.

Hard work and tremendous dedication by protesters have won a number of victories. The WA government banned recreational duck shooting in 1990, as did the NSW government in 1995. Social acceptance of duck shooting is rapidly declining.

The Victorian duck season runs for three months. More rescuers are needed to save native waterbirds. Donations are also appreciated. Call Laurie Levy on (03) 9826 9715.

From GLW issue 443