It’s time to end the slaughter

MEDIA RELEASE

With waterbird numbers down by 82% nationally the Bartlett Government is Prioritising Shooting Lobby Over Conservation of Struggling Species…

With: Duck Rescue Information …
WITH WATERBIRD NUMBERS DOWN BY 82% NATIONALLY, IT’S TIME TO END THE SLAUGHTER

Bartlett Government is Prioritising Shooting Lobby Over Conservation of Struggling Species

Cassy O’Connor MP
Greens Environment Spokesperson
Wednesday, 4 March 2009

The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Bartlett Labor Government to cancel this year’s duck shooting season, which begins this weekend, and to extend the waterbird shooting ban that is already enforced in Queensland, News South Wales and Western Australia.

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said the State of Australia’s Birds 2008 Report, launched by the Federal Environment Minister last week, confirms previous research undertaken by the University of NSW which showed that waterbird numbers have plummeted nationally by 82 percent since 1983 due to climate change and prolonged dry periods.

Ms O’Connor also commended the work of Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania in trying to protect waterbirds, and applauded their decision to stage a Memorial Service outside Parliament House today for the millions of waterbirds that have been killed by shooters during duck killing seasons across the country.

“Following extended drought and evidence that waterbird numbers have declined by 82 percent in the past 25 years, the Bartlett Government stands condemned for placing the interests of the shooting lobby ahead of the conservation of struggling waterbird species,” said Ms O’Connor.

“This so-called ‘kind and clever’ government needs to evolve and join other states in banning the duck killing season, and making Tasmania part of an extended safe haven for waterbird species that are currently on the brink.”

“The shooting of waterbirds is also having a negative impact on their continued viability and now, following extended drought and proof that waterbird numbers are down 82 percent across the entire continent, there is no scientific or ethical reason to continue the annual slaughter of Tasmania’s waterbirds,” said Ms O’Connor.

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Text of Motion tabled in the Parliament by Cassy O’Connor MP:

That this House:

1. Notes that waterbird numbers across the eastern states have fallen significantly according to the latest State of Australia’s Birds 2008 report launched by the Federal Environment Minister last week, and that this analysis is confirmed by extensive aerial survey work undertaken by the University of New South Wales which shows waterbird numbers have plummeted by 82% since 1983 due to climate change and prolonged dry periods;

2. Notes that the shooting of waterbirds is also having a negative impact on the continued viability of ducks species;

3. Commends the work of Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania in trying to protect waterbirds, today holding a Memorial Service for the millions of native waterbirds that have died in Australia at the hands of recreational shooters during the duck shooting seasons;

4. Notes that duck shooting has been banned in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia because it is cruel, unnecessary and unsustainable, yet the Tasmanian Government plans to open the duck killing season this weekend;

5. Condemns the Bartlett Government for putting the shooting lobby before the conservation of wetland bird species, for ignoring the science on the decline in waterbird numbers; and

6. Calls on the Bartlett Government to evolve – and join Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia in ending the duck shooting season, making Tasmania a safe haven for species on the brink of survival.

…

Duck Rescue Information 2009

Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania thanks you for your interest in helping to protect Australian waterbirds during the open season of duck shooting.

During the open season we divert flying ducks away from shooters guns as the primary method to stop birds being shot. Occasionally we rescue unclaimed wounded birds that are transported to veterinary care. We also recover illegally shot protected species and collect so called ‘game’ birds that the shooters have killed and neglect to collect.

The three-month 2009 duck shooting season commences March 7, one hour before sunrise, and closes on June 8. Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania rescue teams will be out on opening weekend and on other weekends where there is sufficient interest. Please offer your assistance wherever possible.

On opening weekend we will be based at Moulting Lagoon, near Coles Bay (see attached map for campsite location). The shooters are in hides spread out across the width of the lagoon in several banks where the waters are generally shallow (around knee high). We will stay fairly close to the hides and so avoid deeper water.

The general idea is to wade onto the lagoon wearing highly visible clothing and wave brightly coloured flags while blowing whistles to scare ducks away from the shooters. This works to good effect. If you have a kayak or canoe please bring it, this allows you to move more quickly and respond to situations or incidents sooner. Attaching a bright flag and using a bright coloured paddle is recommended as a duck deterrent.

If you are concerned about entering the wetlands on the opening weekend, do not be deterred. There are other on-shore duties and this is just as valuable to the efforts as being in the water.

YOUR SAFETY

• Rescuers must be 18 years or over unless written consent has been provided from parents or guardians, and then only with another adult.
• Ensure you are never alone on the wetlands. You will be allocated to a team with a team leader. Stay in sight of others in the team at all times. If you become separated from your team – join up with any other person or team.
• If you run into trouble, photograph the incident and try to write down where it occurred, when, a description of the shooter, registration number of vehicles or any names. Report any incident as soon as possible. Written details may be vital evidence in prosecuting shooters involved in illegal activities.
• Shooters sometimes try to create conflict with rescuers. Be prepared for verbal abuse because it is inevitable. If you do not react to their silly, rude or abusive insults they will soon lose interest. (Conflict with shooters could result in a rescuer getting hurt.) Remember that your presence has already saved birds and is annoying shooters.
• It is important not to verbally aggravate shooters although distracting them with friendly discussion can sometimes save birds.
• Duck shooters fire shot-gun cartridges that blast out around 200 tiny steel ball bearings which fan out after leaving the gun. At close range a shotgun blast will be fatal. The range of a shotgun is only about 50 metres but at that range it can still cause damage to eyes and exposed skin (and although extremely unlikely, it could even kill you). Shooting wetlands are dangerous places to be so you must stay on guard and keep your wits about you. In over 20 years Victorian rescuers have never received serious injuries (unlike shooters who have become victims of other shooters on the wetlands) but it is important to be vigilant and observe safe practices at all times.
• Sometimes shot falls out of the sky like hail, but is not painful. Wearing a hat and sunglasses or protective lenses is recommended.
• Just remember – never enter or leave a wetland alone.
• If you are returning home during the morning and before all the action is over, you should let someone else know, preferably the coordinator.
• If you have a medical condition that may compromise your safety on the wetlands we ask that you inform us or consider not attending. If we know then we can be prepared for potential difficulties that may arise.

LEGALITIES

• Never interfere with shooters or hides, any such activity may be considered assault or property damage.
• Shooters may only shoot Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Mountain Duck and Wood Duck. (Protected species include Blue-winged Shoveler, Hardhead, Musk Duck, Freckled Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Blue-billed Duck and Plumed Tree Duck). It is good if you can familiarise yourself with these species so that you can identify any illegal shooting. We have duck ID charts that we can make available on the weekend.
• Shooters cannot use powered boats, nor can they use recorded sounds to attract ducks, or live decoys.
• Shooting is prohibited outside of one hour before sunrise and one our after sunset.
• Ducks may only be taken with shotguns not exceeding 12 gauge.

WOUNDED BIRDS

• Move quietly and try to avoid flushing birds into the air (some hide in reeds) and towards shooters’ guns.
• Avoid catching yearling, moulting or stressed birds that can be mistaken for wounded birds. If a bird is strong enough to avoid capture it may not be wounded.
• Wounded birds will be highly stressed and may try to escape despite their injuries. Handle these birds gently and quickly. Aim to minimise stress. Hold the bird firmly and cover the neck and head with an inside-out pillowslip. (Wet pillow-slips can suffocate birds). Make sure the wings are in a natural position. A minimum of two people should take the bird to a vet as quickly and quietly as possible. Kayaks are usually faster than wading so try to pass the wounded birds to a rescuer in a kayak or canoe.
• Don’t feel that you haven’t achieved anything if you do not bring in a bird. Just your presence on the wetlands will have saved birds from being shot.

DEAD BIRDS

If you find a dead game bird (make sure it is not just stunned), offer it to a shooter. (If you are unsure of the species, ask an experienced rescuer.) If the shooter takes a dead game bird it means one less for his bag limit (ten with no more than four Mountain Ducks). Otherwise, put it in your bag and hand it to an organiser when you come out of the water, as the information can be useful in future.

THE MEDIA

Please be polite and cooperate with the media. If you are interviewed, stick to the facts and never abuse shooters on (or off) camera. Any irresponsible behaviour reported by the media will reflect badly on the whole campaign.

It is the media coverage received over the past 20 years that has turned the tide of public opinion in our favour and will eventually be the reason duck shooting is banned.

WHAT TO BRING

For the wetlands:
 Old pillow cases if you have any – try looking in opp shops
 A whistle, to warn birds away
 A plastic bag for shooters’ rubbish (spent cartridge shells, bottles, cans, plastic bags, etc.)
 Waterproof disposable camera
 Binoculars (for spotting birds or distant trouble spots)
 Pen and notebook in waterproof pouch to record details of illegal activity
 Drinking water
 High energy snack food
 Old, white or brightly coloured clothing (so you can be easily seen)
 Old runners or shoes with lace-ups for wading through wetlands (wetsuit booties work well).
 Backpack for carrying food, water and all the gear
 Water-resistant sunscreen (it can get very hot)
 Warm clothing (it can be really freezing before the sun appears)
 Waterproof jacket (being wet through from rain can get very cold)
 Sun hat
 Small torch (it gets very dark too and we might have to hike some distance from the cars to the lake)
 Insect repellent
 Towel
 A change of clothing and footwear
 Plastic bag for wet, smelly clothes

 Wear comfortable white or bright clothing so you can be clearly seen. Do not wear dark colours – it is dangerous (you might be mistaken for a shooter!).
 A wet-suit or leggings work well and fluorescent vests are great for safety – we can provide some vests.
 Bring a towel and change of clothing as you’ll be cold and drenched when you come out of the wetlands.

X Don’t wear tracksuit pants which pull down when wet and heavy (you might get wet up to your waist).

For the weekend:
 Tent, sleeping bag, another towel, warm clothing, cooking utensils, toiletries, food, money.

X Do not bring gumboots, as these fill with water and cause problems. Waders can also be very dangerous.
X Do not bring jewelry or valuables.
X Do not bring drugs or alcohol.

PROVISIONS

Bring enough food for the weekend. Do not rely on takeaway (towns are about 20 minutes away). To avoid dehydration, take water with you onto the wetlands. Some hot food will be provided on Friday and Saturday nights. Hot drinks will be available to people coming in cold from the wetlands. Some snack food will be available through the day.

ACCOMMODATION

We will be camping on the shore of the wetlands on Friday and Saturday nights. A portable toilet will be on-site. No showers are available. A map showing the location is attached.

ON ARRIVAL

Please check-in at the ‘Information tent’ when you arrive. There will be a meeting here on Friday night to inform rescuers on plans for the morning. Another meeting will be on Saturday afternoon for debriefing and to give updates to plans for the next day.

WARNING

Be on the alert for non-active shooters pretending to have authority to question you or who may provoke conflict or interfere with rescue activities. Go to the assistance of other rescuers as required. Remember to take photos and write details and report problems as soon as possible to one of the organisers.

Do not promote conflict or get involved in any conflict. Our reason for being there is to rescue and protect the birds.