Horsham’s J and A Shooting Supplies owner Bill Jorgensen’s comments come after a wildlife rescuer said ducks were wounded and abandoned at Wimmera wetlands at the weekend.

Duck season opened on Saturday.

Kyneton wildlife rescuer Tania Begg visited wetlands near Minimay at the weekend.

She described “barbaric” scenes and “appalling” behaviour by shooters there.

Mr Jorgensen said most duck shooters followed the rules every season and were well-educated.

“There is always going to be someone doing the wrong thing, so education is important,” he said.

“We need to obey the bag limits, obey the protected species laws and only use steel shots.

“Unfortunately, there is always going to be an idiot doing something wrong, but that happens with anything – even football.”

Mr Jorgensen said duck season was an annual event for many families.

“The main thing people like about it is that they get out and socialise with friends,” he said.

“People go out with their father or grandfather – people are brought up with it, and we don’t want to see it disappear.”

Mr Jorgensen said J and A Shooting Supplies was extremely busy each duck season.

“It’s our most successful time of the year and we triple our business every day,” he said.

“This year it has been flat-out.

“We have people ringing up from all over wanting to pre-book supplies and pick them up when they are here.

“We rely on the business the season brings.”