DUCK hunters are being urged to familiarise themselves with the rules for hunting at Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) lakes, dams and reservoirs across the North East, ahead of the season opening this Wednesday.

Local GMW storages where duck hunting is permitted include Lake Buffalo, Hume Reservoir (Victorian lakebed areas), Lake Eildon, Lake Nillahcootie and Lake Nagambie.

GMW water storage services general manager Leonie Bourke said people visiting GMW storages during the duck season, which runs until 9 June, should be aware of where they can and can’t hunt.

“Duck hunting is permitted at several of our lakes, dams and reservoirs, but there are still parts of these storages where hunting is prohibited,” she said.

“It is important people learn which areas hunting is allowed in before they visit, as some of these areas have changed since previous seasons.

“Hunters will also need to get landholder consent to hunt or pass through private property that adjoins GMW land, waterways, and storages.”

Duck hunters visiting GMW-managed storages must follow the arrangements laid out by the Victorian Government.

This includes bag limits, what hours of the day hunting can occur, which species can be hunted and wetland management actions.

“We ask everyone who visits our storages makes safety a priority, and respects both the environment and other members of the public,” Ms Bourke said.

“If people have any questions about where they can hunt at our storages can phone us to get clarification.”

Information on duck hunting at GMW storages, including maps specifying where duck hunting is permitted, can be found on the GMW website: www.gmwater.com.au/duckhunting

Details on the arrangements for the 2025 duck hunting season can be found on the Game Management Authority website: www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/duck-season-arrangements

Hunters are reminded to regularly check the GMA website for updates on wetland management actions, including any wetlands that may be closed to hunting to protect significant concentrations of rare or threatened species.

People with further questions on where they can hunt at GMW storages can phone GMW on 1800 013 357.