Hunting Archery Duck Deer

Duck shooting season sparks tensions
The opening of Tasmania’s duck shooting season has been marred by tensions between protesters and hunters on the east coast.

Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania members are keeping a watch on activities at Moulting Lagoon this weekend and have reported one incident to police.

Spokeswoman Catherine Silcock says it is an annual protest, in which members try to keep the hunters away from their prey.

She says the behaviour of one of the shooters yesterday has been reported to police.

“It was aggressive and intimidating behaviour, it was very threatening,” she said.

Tasmanian Field and Game Association spokesman Peter Darke says he has not been informed of the incident.

Mr Darke says, while the behaviour of some activists has angered hunters in previous season, he respects their right to protest.

“But let’s keep the behaviour correct and clean and not tell lies,” he said.

Mr Darke maintains his members are strict adherents of rules, like bag limits.

The Tasmanian Premier and the Opposition Leader both reiterated their support for well-managed duck hunting seasons on the election campaign trail yesterday.

Greens environment spokesman Nick McKim says allowing duck shooting is a blight on the state’s clean, green image and has called again for a ban on the practice.