It comes after federal politician Kelvin Thomson called on the state government to cancel the 2016 duck season and put an end to the ‘inhumane’ practice.

Duck season is usually between March and June each year.

“It is not possible to ensure that birds are killed humanely, and there are inevitably many instances of animal cruelty with each duck season,” Mr Thomson said.

He said because of the drought, the number of birds had dropped to its second lowest level on record.

“I urge the government to give the ducks a chance to get through this tough year in our wetlands without the pressure of being shot at,” he said.

However, Mr Broad said Mr Thomson’s motivation was more to do with the fact that he was against duck hunting, rather than just the dry conditions.

“I support duck hunting and believe there is a place for responsible shooting in society,” he said.

“Shooters are responsible and they have to do a fair bit of additional training to recognise what birds to shot.

“Any discussion about the future of the season should be done in conjunction with the shooters.”

Mr Broad said duck hunting season in the Wimmera and Mallee brought people to the region.

“A lot of money flows through to country towns because of it,” he said.

“It is disappointing that there is not a lot of water in the catchments this year and that will play into it.”

Mr Broad said responsible shooters often felt under attack from people wanting to ban duck hunting.

“That’s not right,” he said.

“Most of the shooters I know are licensed and always do the right thing.”

A spokesperson for Environment, Climate Change and Water Minister Lisa Neville said each year the government took independent advice regarding modifications to the duck season.

“This considers drought and environmental factors,” she said. 

“The minister is yet to receive that advice.”