Worth Mathewson
Active member
Many on this page are likely aware of the serious (and successful) anti-duck hunting movement in Australia over the past few years. The antis have been able to ban hunting in the States of New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, and The Australian Capital Territory. Of all the Australian States, New South Wales was the top State for bird hunting, both waterfowl and quail. The ban in this State is much the same as if hunting was banned in Arkansas and Louisiana.
The States remaining open to hunting are Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Victoria is known as the second best hunting State in the country. But for the past three years the antis have come very close to gaining a ban in Victoria. And to a lesser degree, South Australia.
The duck season in Victoria opened this weekend, March 19th. Hundreds of anti-hunters turned out to harass the hunters. Their methods include wading out or taking boats, surround hunters and blow whistles and wave flags to flair the ducks. If I recall correctly, they are required to stay 20 yards distance from hunters. In 2005 I was surrounded by about 15 antis. It proved to be an interesting morning, and I wrote about it for Delta Waterfowl Magazine.
Hunters are powerless to do anything about this. The reason is the gun laws. Even a SPOKEN threat is grounds to totally lose a gun permit. In most cases, for life! The antis are very aware of this and nearly all carry video cameras to record any threat made against them. The female antis seem to be the most vocal in trying to trigger a threat. My friends down there report that their favorite taunt is to suggest hunters have a small penis, so kill birds to make up for it. One friend summed it up by saying "Those little darlings can certain come up with some remarks hard to ignore."
On March 19th. a female protester was shot in the face. The police have ruled it an accident. But as you can guess, the antis are making major headlines over this. You can read a full report by pulling up www.heraldsun.com.au. Next to Breaking News, is Victoria. This is the one you want. Also there is a news video to watch. It was filmed as first aid was being given the protester.
I have a bad feeling about how all this is going to play out. The ban on hunting in Victory has been very close, and this might tip the scale. I am due to go down on May 10th for three weeks. Now I am not so certain.
Also I would like to point out that on the web page of the Herald Sun there is currently a reader's vote on banning duck hunting in Victoria. I am in hopes many of you will take the time to vote NO. Thanks for your interest in this. Worth Mathewson
The States remaining open to hunting are Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Victoria is known as the second best hunting State in the country. But for the past three years the antis have come very close to gaining a ban in Victoria. And to a lesser degree, South Australia.
The duck season in Victoria opened this weekend, March 19th. Hundreds of anti-hunters turned out to harass the hunters. Their methods include wading out or taking boats, surround hunters and blow whistles and wave flags to flair the ducks. If I recall correctly, they are required to stay 20 yards distance from hunters. In 2005 I was surrounded by about 15 antis. It proved to be an interesting morning, and I wrote about it for Delta Waterfowl Magazine.
Hunters are powerless to do anything about this. The reason is the gun laws. Even a SPOKEN threat is grounds to totally lose a gun permit. In most cases, for life! The antis are very aware of this and nearly all carry video cameras to record any threat made against them. The female antis seem to be the most vocal in trying to trigger a threat. My friends down there report that their favorite taunt is to suggest hunters have a small penis, so kill birds to make up for it. One friend summed it up by saying "Those little darlings can certain come up with some remarks hard to ignore."
On March 19th. a female protester was shot in the face. The police have ruled it an accident. But as you can guess, the antis are making major headlines over this. You can read a full report by pulling up www.heraldsun.com.au. Next to Breaking News, is Victoria. This is the one you want. Also there is a news video to watch. It was filmed as first aid was being given the protester.
I have a bad feeling about how all this is going to play out. The ban on hunting in Victory has been very close, and this might tip the scale. I am due to go down on May 10th for three weeks. Now I am not so certain.
Also I would like to point out that on the web page of the Herald Sun there is currently a reader's vote on banning duck hunting in Victoria. I am in hopes many of you will take the time to vote NO. Thanks for your interest in this. Worth Mathewson
