The season length, as set out in the Victorian Government’s Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024, remains unchanged – opening at 8am on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 and closing 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The daily hunting times are from 8am until 30 minutes after sunset for the first five days, then from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset for the remainder of the season, the Game Management Authority has announced.
Seven game duck species can be hunted: Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Wood Duck, Mountain Duck, Hardhead and Pink-eared Duck.
The authority says all hunters must have a valid game licence and firearms licence before hunting ducks in Victoria.
As a condition of the licence to hunt gamebirds in Victoria, all new and renewing Victorian gamebird licence applicants must complete an online education program.
New duck hunters must also successfully compete the Waterfowl Identification Test. Visit www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/changes-to-gamebird-licensing-conditions for more information.
The Game Management Authority and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will monitor wetlands in the lead-up to and during the season.
Where warranted, hunting may be further regulated at some wetlands, and some wetlands may be closed to hunting to protect concentrations of threatened species or breeding waterbirds.
Hunters are reminded to regularly monitor the GMA website for updates to wetland closures and other management actions at www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/wetland-closures
GMA game officers, Victoria Police and authorised officers from partner agencies will patrol wetlands across Victoria to ensure people act in a safe and responsible manner.
Details of the 2026 duck season are available on the GMA website at www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/duck-season-arrangements
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