DUCKS are causing damage to Riverina rice crops.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is assisting rice growers to protect valuable crops from ducks and native game birds, with planting to begin in coming weeks.
DPI Game Licensing Unit Manager, Dr Andrew Moriarty said ducks and native game birds have the potential to devastate a rice crop overnight.
“We are anticipating high numbers of ducks and native game birds this season, due to favourable breeding conditions,” Dr Andrew Moriarty said.
“This combined with dryer wetlands and warmer seasonal conditions may see the birds flock towards newly planted, irrigated rice crops.”
New regulations, under the Native Game Bird Management Program have come into effect, which allow licensed harvesting of specified native game birds on agricultural properties.
“Alternatively, this legislation also allows landholders to grant access to licensed reputable hunters to assist with harvesting specified native game birds,” Dr Moriarty said.
“We have been working closely with licensed hunters and landholders, in particular rice growers, to inform them about the new regulations and assist them through the necessary processes to ensure the successful roll out of the program.”
The DPI Native Game Bird Management Program allows for the harvest of native game birds on agricultural lands within a defined quota, set by the best available scientific knowledge on estimated populations.