From April 26 to May 30, our tiny native quail will be "flushed" by dogs and blasted by shotguns for the "fun" of a few, from 8am each day.

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Government harvest data shows Victoria's native Stubble Quail are in alarming decline.

 

The first ever "count" of the species in 2022 found just 101. This tiny number was extrapolated up by the "independent" regulator to a dubious 3.1 million, with a high error indicator of 29%. Since the count, unprecedented floods would have hurt quail numbers further.

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A second "count" was performed across more locations in early 2023 which allegedly found around 400 birds (extrapolated up to an incredible 7 million). This is really the first count given last years' limitations. It is concerning given the long-term harvest decline, the regulator saw no reason to make any recommendations to change the 2023 shooting season. Thankfully Ministers exercised their right to do so.

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There is no data for the impact of quail shooting on threatened species like the crtitically endangered Plains Wanderer, no shooter acuracy tests required and toxic lead ammunition still allowed to shoot quail at wetlands, in forests, crown land and public wildlife reserves as well as on private properties - some used for food growing!