Disappointingly, during the Christmas/new year period in South Australia, Lake George, national parks and local beaches were trashed by visitors, leading the Department for Environment and Water (SA) to issue 240 expiation fines.

The mess was a disgrace; local Lions clubs and other groups have led major clean-up days in order to return the areas to a pristine condition, while a group of local hunters has cleaned up Lake George campsites in preparation for the upcoming duck season.

Never before had these concerned local hunters seen anything like it – and it has been pointed out to DEW that it was not hunters who were at fault.

While we know that hunters are respectful of the environment, we also know that if such behaviour is repeated during duck opening there will be no way we will win the review of the use of the Lower Lakes into the future.

With this in mind:

• Leave the area cleaner than you found it. If you see something left behind by others, take charge and remove it in order to secure our future.
• Do not cut brush to burn or for use as hides; this is forbidden and will not be tolerated.
• Dispose of your bird carcasses thoughtfully. Preferably take them out with you, bagged up, and dispose of them through your rubbish collection at home. (Do not throw them into the surrounding bush. If you must, bury them – but think carefully about where you do so, and bury them deep.)
• Hunt only in the designated hunting zone.

General advice for hunters throughout the South Australian duck hunting season:

• Please clean up after yourself during and at the end of each hunt, including empty shells and wads. Even leaving feathers or offal behind surrounding camp sites is a big negative; bag it and take it out with you. Remember, these places are used by many other interest groups who don’t need to be confronted with this mess.
• Hunt responsibly and remember somebody is always watching you, even when you don’t realise they are.
• Familiarise yourself with all laws and regulations prior to your hunt, and carry your current permit on your body while hunting. Laminate your card or put it in a plastic zip-lock bag, or screenshot it on your phone.
• There's plenty of room for everyone; stay at least another 100 metres away from other hunters, for your safety and out of respect for fellow hunters.
• Record your hunt data in your hunter report card.
• Please respect local traditions. There are many locals who have hunted the same area for a lifetime; do not take over a hunting spot with decoys or a sign in it if you are an interstate hunter. You will find that if you approach the locals with respect, they actually might give you some great advice or even swap out of their hide for you when they’re done for the day!

Happy hunting, everyone!