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Release Media Release Media Release
17 January,
2008
INTERSTATE
DUCK-SHOOTERS SHOULD STAY OUT OF TASMANIA
Duck-shooters planning to come to Tasmania for the open season are advised
they are unwelcome. Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT), the Tasmanian
Conservation Trust (TCT), the RSPCA and Wildlife Tasmania want interstate
shooters to stay away, saying there is already too much pressure on native
waterbirds. Due to bans in every other State, many shooters appear poised
to invade Tasmanian wetlands.
“A large influx of
shooters from Victoria and other States will cause a massive problem
for native ducks in Tasmania that are already stressed due to the drought.”
said Christian Bell of the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, “The
300 interstate visitors predicted by shooters is a 33 percent increase
on past years. It would quite simply be a waste of time and money for
shooters to come here as there a so few ducks around. Many of them will
go home empty handed and disappointed.”
Shooters have been trying hard
to improve their image in order to gain public support. They are concerned
about being regarded as “barbaric, cruel and reckless”, and
with good reason.
“Peter Darke of Field
and Game has been very clear in saying that interstate shooters should
keep out of Tasmania.” declared Chris Simcox of Against Animal
Cruelty Tasmania, “He revealed what we have always believed true
of these interstate visitors - many are unruly and poorly behaved. We
don't want them here, Tasmanian shooters don't want them here, and the
native ducks certainly do not want them here.
We have seen and heard the
behaviour that Peter Darke is talking about. Abusive and aggressive
language is what many of these people appear to understand best. Shooters
from interstate seem to care little about damaging habitat or causing
a disturbance to others.”
“Duck-shooters, whether
from here or interstate, will likely kill a large proportion of adult
birds.” announced Peter Power of Wildlife Tasmania, “Studies
in Victoria show that in recent years around 85 percent of native ducks
shot were adults. This loss of breeding birds will further deplete the
gene pool, and diminish chances of recovery when conditions improve.
With more shooters in the State during the open season, we can expect
to see the situation worsen.”
In the interest of conserving
native waterbirds, given that an open season in Tasmania will attract
many interstate shooters, the Minister must cancel the 2008 season.
For more information contact:
Chris Simcox, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania, Ph: 0429 015 110
Christian Bell, Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Ph: 6234 3552
Peter Power, Wildlife Tasmania Ph: 0417 017 105
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