Duck and stubble quail hunting

Duck hunting season arrangements

What are the 2026 duck hunting season arrangements?

• The 2026 season will start at 8:00 am on Wednesday 18 March and will close 30 minutes after sunset on Monday 8 June 2026.
• For the first five days (from Wednesday 18 March to Sunday 22 March) of the season, hunting will start at 8:00 am and close 30 minutes after sunset.
• For the remainder of the season (Monday 23 March to Monday 8 June) hunting will start 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset.
• The bag limit is nine (9) birds per day.
• Seven game duck species are permitted to be hunted during the 2026 season. Species permitted are Pacific Black Duck, Mountain Duck, Chestnut Teal, Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Wood Duck and Hardhead.
• It is prohibited to hunt the blue-winged shoveler under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024.
• Details of the 2026 duck season, including any wetland closures or partial closures, will be regularly updated on the GMA website www.gma.vic.gov.au

Stubble quail hunting season arrangements

The 2026 stubble quail hunting season arrangements will be announced before the default season opening on the first Saturday of April.

The Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024 now prohibit the use of lead shot for the hunting of stubble quail.