Drizzt
Member
The Mercury, Hobart
March 4, 2003 Tuesday
SECTION: LOCAL; Pg. 7
LENGTH: 398 words
HEADLINE: Minister aims to join duck season hunt
BYLINE: MARTINE HALEY
BODY:
TASMANIA'S Environment Minister Bryan Green is not only refusing to ban this year's duck season -- he hopes to join the hunters in the shoot.
Mr Green yesterday said he had been a recreational hunter for almost 30 years and saw no conflict in being responsible for overseeing the protection of the environment and shooting the birds.
"I don't agree with suggestions it is inappropriate to be Minister for Environment [and a hunter]," Mr Green said.
"To the contrary, having an interest in these areas gives me valuable insight into the issues that arise."
An owner of two registered shotguns, Mr Green said he ate the ducks he shot.
Only his ministerial schedule threatens to keep him away from joining the duck hunt.
The Labor Government has come in for criticism from animal rights supporters for not following the lead of the Victorian and South Australian governments and cancelling this year's duck season.
Duck shooting seasons on the mainland have been cancelled because of the drought and concerns about bird numbers.
Victorian duck-shooting opponent Laurie Levy will be at Moulting Lagoon on the East Coast for the opening of the season this weekend.
Mr Levy will be part of a group of activists providing rescue and veterinary support.
Mr Green said there had been no recommendation for the Tasmanian season to be cancelled.
He said water bird population surveys had indicated an increase in numbers of the four species allowed to be hunted in Tasmania.
"With population numbers up for the four species, I see no reason for us to cancel the season this year," Mr Green said.
"Surveys done around the state reported populations of shelducks, black ducks, chestnut teals and grey teals were all higher than last year.
"In addition, it's important to note that scientific reviews previously done on open seasons interstate have indicated that hunting has no significant effect on waterfowl populations."
He said wildlife officers would continue to monitor the situation throughout the season.
"We have a program in place that requires all hunters to have a licence, restrictions on the species that may be hunted, daily and species bag limits, as well as restrictions on the type of firearms used and how hunting is undertaken," Mr Green said.
About 2000 duck licences are expected to be issued in Tasmania during the three-month season.
March 4, 2003 Tuesday
SECTION: LOCAL; Pg. 7
LENGTH: 398 words
HEADLINE: Minister aims to join duck season hunt
BYLINE: MARTINE HALEY
BODY:
TASMANIA'S Environment Minister Bryan Green is not only refusing to ban this year's duck season -- he hopes to join the hunters in the shoot.
Mr Green yesterday said he had been a recreational hunter for almost 30 years and saw no conflict in being responsible for overseeing the protection of the environment and shooting the birds.
"I don't agree with suggestions it is inappropriate to be Minister for Environment [and a hunter]," Mr Green said.
"To the contrary, having an interest in these areas gives me valuable insight into the issues that arise."
An owner of two registered shotguns, Mr Green said he ate the ducks he shot.
Only his ministerial schedule threatens to keep him away from joining the duck hunt.
The Labor Government has come in for criticism from animal rights supporters for not following the lead of the Victorian and South Australian governments and cancelling this year's duck season.
Duck shooting seasons on the mainland have been cancelled because of the drought and concerns about bird numbers.
Victorian duck-shooting opponent Laurie Levy will be at Moulting Lagoon on the East Coast for the opening of the season this weekend.
Mr Levy will be part of a group of activists providing rescue and veterinary support.
Mr Green said there had been no recommendation for the Tasmanian season to be cancelled.
He said water bird population surveys had indicated an increase in numbers of the four species allowed to be hunted in Tasmania.
"With population numbers up for the four species, I see no reason for us to cancel the season this year," Mr Green said.
"Surveys done around the state reported populations of shelducks, black ducks, chestnut teals and grey teals were all higher than last year.
"In addition, it's important to note that scientific reviews previously done on open seasons interstate have indicated that hunting has no significant effect on waterfowl populations."
He said wildlife officers would continue to monitor the situation throughout the season.
"We have a program in place that requires all hunters to have a licence, restrictions on the species that may be hunted, daily and species bag limits, as well as restrictions on the type of firearms used and how hunting is undertaken," Mr Green said.
About 2000 duck licences are expected to be issued in Tasmania during the three-month season.
