Guidelines for the humane dispatch of downed ducks
Responsible duck hunting requires downed ducks to be immediately recovered and dispatched humanely.
This guide was updated in 2025 and outlines four methods to humanely dispatch a duck: swatter loads, cervical dislocation, pithing and blunt force impact.
By law, hunters must make all reasonable efforts to immediately recover and dispatch downed ducks. The guidelines have been developed to assist duck hunters in ensuring that they are hunting responsibly and dispatching downed ducks quickly and humanely.
The recommended methods in the guidelines are based on research and advice from local and international experts, including animal welfare organisations.
While there are several ways to humanely dispatch downed ducks, the methods in this guide are considered best practice. Hunters should choose a method they feel confident and comfortable to perform.
- Guidelines for the Humane Dispatch of Downed Ducks - full guide
- How to perform the swatter load method – fact sheet
- How to perform the blunt force impact method – fact sheet
- How to perform the pithing method - fact sheet
- How to perform the cervical dislocation method - fact sheet
Page last updated: 19 May 2025