The Victoria's Game Management Authority (GMA) is facing a barrage of criticism and accusations, with its handling of duck hunting regulations and its treatment of anti-duck shooting campaigners coming under scrutiny. The GMA's actions have sparked concern among protesters and wildlife rescuers, who fear the authority is turning a blind eye to illegal hunting behavior while simultaneously bullying those who oppose duck shooting.
The GMA's recent actions have raised red flags, including the publication of personal information on its Facebook page, the use of social media to publicly shame and threaten rescuers, and the apparent bias in its enforcement of hunting laws. A former compliance manager, George Bucchorn, resigned in 2018, citing a culture of inaction and a reluctance to investigate alleged breaches of hunting laws. This sentiment is echoed by wildlife advocates who claim the GMA has changed tactics, even charging rescuers with injuring endangered birds they have rescued.
The GMA's actions have led to a growing sense of unease among those who oppose duck shooting. The authority's Facebook posts, which include the hometown locations of rescuers who have been fined for breaching duck hunting rules, have been met with abuse and even death threats. This has created a dangerous environment for animal activists, with one rescuer from Maldon receiving a threat he would be drowned.
The GMA's stance on children participating in hunts has also raised eyebrows. While it is legal for children aged 12 to 17 to obtain a Victorian Game Licence, the GMA's officer at a March meeting in Bendigo suggested that children should not be involved in hunts unless they have a licence. This statement has been seen as a potential attempt to deter children from participating in hunts, which could have implications for the future of hunting in Victoria.
The proposed merger of the GMA with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to create Outdoor Recreation Victoria has further fueled concerns. Critics warn that this move could create a conflict of interest, with the hunting lobby potentially influencing the new authority's decisions. Former GMA board member Bronwyn Orr expressed her concerns about the potential for animal welfare to suffer if promotion and regulation are run by the same authority.
The GMA's actions have also been questioned by Field & Game Australia, a club and lobby group for hunters. The organization's chief executive, Lucas Cooke, rejected criticism that the GMA was biased, stating that lawful hunters are not being protected while protesters are unfairly targeted. However, the GMA's treatment of rescuers and its apparent bias in enforcement have led to a growing sense of distrust among those who oppose duck shooting.
In conclusion, the GMA's handling of duck hunting regulations and its treatment of anti-duck shooting campaigners have raised serious concerns. The authority's actions have created a dangerous environment for animal activists and have led to a growing sense of unease among those who oppose duck shooting. The proposed merger with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the potential influence of the hunting lobby only add to the concerns surrounding the GMA's future role in Victoria's hunting regulations.
