2026 duck season compliance update
22/06/2026
During the 2026 duck season, the Game Management Authority (GMA) conducted 541 waterway and wetland patrols on private and public land across Victoria.
During the 2026 duck season, the Game Management Authority (GMA) conducted 541 waterway and wetland patrols on private and public land across Victoria.
More than 100 staff from the GMA and partner agencies checked 1,788 Game Licences and inspected 1,139 hunter bags.
A total of 33 offences were detected throughout the 2026 duck season. Five Official Warnings and 26 infringement notices will be issued. GMA also suspended nine Game Licences and is conducting two investigations related to these matters.
Of the 33 detected offences, all were hunting related, with the main offence themes being in possession of toxic shot, failing to leave a wing attached and having an invalid or no Game Licence. No hunters were detected over-bagging.
The GMA did not issue any infringement or banning notices for public safety offences during the 2026 season.
The GMA worked in partnership with Victoria Police, Parks Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Victorian Fisheries Authority, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Department of Premier and Cabinet to regulate the season.
Thank you to everyone who acted safely and responsibly during the 2026 duck season.
Summary 2026 duck season compliance data from 18 March – 9 June 2026
Activity | Number |
Total number of wetland and waterway patrols | 541 |
Game Licences checked | 1,788 |
Hunter bags checked | 1,139 |
Hunters who had over bagged | 0 |
Banning Notices to be issued | 0 |
In-field Game Licence Suspension | 9 |
Infringement Notices to be issued | 26 |
Briefs or investigations to be conducted | 2 |
Official warnings | 5 |
The GMA uses a range of sanctions to deter illegal hunting and illegal protestor activity, such as official warnings, infringement notices and licence suspensions and cancellations. Some offences may also be prosecuted in court. Any sanctions imposed as a consequence of court proceedings are at the discretion of the courts.
For more information on sanctions to deter illegal hunting and enforce the law, visit Enforcement Actions.
These statistics are correct as of: Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
The 2026 duck hunting season closed 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, 8 June 2026.
Media contact: Nick Foster M: 0417 293 365