The lake has been closed to hunting from the start of the 2018 duck hunting season to protect significant numbers of freckled duck.

Monitoring by the Game Management Authority and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning confirmed the duck species had left the lake.

The authority’s chief executive Greg Hyams said surveying bird numbers and closing wetlands helped ensure hunting in Victoria was sustainable and responsible.

“Hunting can resume at Brown’s Lake half an hour before sunrise on Sunday, April 15 until the season closes at half an hour after sunset on June 11," Mr Hyams said. 

“Government officials will continue to monitor other closed wetlands throughout the season.

“If the reason for the closure no longer exists, they will be recommended to be reopened for hunting.

“Hunters are reminded to check for any closures before they depart for their hunt.” 

Mr Hyams said full details of all wetland closures could be found at www.gma.vic.gov.au 

Authority officers will remain active throughout the remainder of the season to ensure hunters act in a safe and responsible manner. 

Mr Hyams said hunters and the general public could report illegal hunting to the authority through its website www.gma.vic.gov.au, the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Victoria Police. 

He said more details of the 2018 duck season were available at www.gma.vic.gov.au.