General News
31 March, 2026
Coalition chief denies link to shoot protests
POLICE are investigating reports of farm fences being cut and duck hunter boats daubed with graffiti in the hours before last week’s opening of the 2026 season in the Boort district.
POLICE are investigating reports of farm fences being cut and duck hunter boats daubed with graffiti in the hours before last week’s opening of the 2026 season in the Boort district.
Farmer and councillor David Weaver said he had discovered fences cut at his Woolshed Swamp property and anti-hunting graffiti on logs
“If the damage had not been discovered when I did, stock could have wandered off,” he said.
And shooters at Lake Leaghur said graffiti had been daubed on their boats and drones had been flown overhead in the early hours on Friday.
Game Management Authority director of compliance and intelligence Zac Powell said the alleged incidents had been referred to police.
Coalition Against Duck Hunting campaign director Laurie Levy denied involvement by his members in the alleged incidents.
They were in the Boort district ahead of the season opening last Wednesday but Mr Levy said: “We don’t work that way ... it wasn’t the coalition.
“Our role is similar to the Red Cross in a war zone, being there to help victims.”
Shooter Frank Cesile was camping at Lake Leaghur with a group from the Victorian Duck Hunters’ Association.
He said the actions of anti-hunting activists were “getting out of control”.
Mr Cesile said protesters were provocative. “We can’t retaliate because we would lose our licence, our guns. We just have to cop it.”
Mr Powell said: “The GMA and other agencies are patrolling wetlands across the state to ensure all hunting and public safety laws are followed. These laws are in place to provide a safe environment for all land users.”
Read More: Berrimal, Boort, Durham Ox