Just to clarify a couple points regarding the Freckled Duck shootings at the Box Flat swamp. In the speech from Sue Pennicuik she refers to approximately 200 Freckled Duck being shot at Box Flat. Is that number based on the investigation by the DSE or the DPI? If it is correct that would be about 1% of the total population which is outrageous assault on an endangered species. Particularly when this was just one day at one location and the duck hunting season still has time to go.
Also Sue refers to Box Flat swamp being a Nature Conservation Reserve, is that correct? Where is the Box Flat swamp in relation to Boort? ===============================
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If there really were 2000 birds killed at one wetland, including swans, etc, then some shooting friends of mine are of the opinion that it wouldn’t be possible to do it by shooting. I.e the birds would clear out before you could kill that many.
They were intrigued that they hadn’t heard of the incident, and were of the opinion that it might have been done with poison. There were also some conspiracy theories suggested, including bringing birds from elsewhere.
Any opinions? Would it be possible to shoot this many birds? 150 shooters were mentioned, but would you really find that many shooters prepared to cooperate in something like this? I’m sure there are some that would, but the fines are severe, and many shooters are apparently quite paranoid about being caught.
Peter Shute