Duck hunting on Lake George: A controversial event breaks the peace at a South Australian tourist spot

Animal rights activists are preparing for a busy few months as duck hunters use what little time they have each year to kill birds without restriction.

Duck hunting season began on March 20 in South Australia and within 12 hours hunters on Lake George in the south of the state were filmed killing birds in a way that witnesses described as cruel and inhumane.

While birds are generally protected around Australia’s lakes, several states are temporarily easing hunting restrictions as a way to maintain species numbers and curb overpopulation.

In South Australia, the hunting season runs from March 20 to June 25 and is limited to half an hour after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset.

The season is marred by various controversies each year, but state governments uphold the practice by ensuring that strict rules are put in place regarding what is considered legal and ethical shooting.

Lake George (pictured) is often home to sailors, fishermen, and campers from the nearby town of Beachport.

Lake George is often home to sailors, fishermen and campers from the nearby town of Beachport, some of whom were there to make sure the hunters followed the rules.

In footage provided to the RSPCA, onlookers could be heard struggling to understand what they were seeing as pellets were fired from the guns towards swarms of waterfowl.

Hunters were also seen holding waved birds by the neck before placing them on nearby foliage without killing them.

Another clip showed a hunter letting his dog play with a nearly dead bird that he was holding against a tree, causing his dog to play with it.

The South Australian arm of the RSPCA condemned the footage and the annual hunting season.

“Watching an injured duck flapping helplessly in the water or on the ground, or being held while still alive while attacked by a hunting dog, is something you never forget,” said Dr. Rebekah Eyers, an advocate for the animal welfare of RSPCA SA.

“Our state’s native birds are protected species; it’s truly shocking that we remove that protection for four months of the year to allow shooters into their habitats.”

The Australian Veterinary Association also criticized the images.

Hunters were seen holding wounded birds by the neck before putting them down or letting their dogs play with them.

The season draws considerable criticism from activist groups each year.

While New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia have banned duck hunting season, it is still recommended and legal in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

In Victoria, a ban on the season has been considered after years of activist campaigning and growing disgust among MPs.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced in February 2023 that the season would continue for at least another year, but would be reduced from the usual four months to just over one.

South Australian Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas has also opened an inquiry into the continuation of the hunting season.

Although the investigation will have no impact this year, the RSPCA has begun collecting examples of hunters seen breaking ethical hunting laws in the first 24 hours of this year’s season.

Some examples from the RSPCA include letting dogs bite injured ducks, giving injured ducks to children to kill, shooting a bird of a prohibited species and leaving empty beer bottles on the shore of Lake George.

A manual provided by the South Australian government to hunters strictly prohibits people from encouraging dogs to get excited or play while hunting.

“It is an offense for a person to urge a dog to attack or maim another animal,” the council says.

States that allow the season to continue have strict laws outlining how to kill ducks and other waterfowl ethically.