The contradictory ethics of native duck shooting: recreation, protection and management

ABSTRACT This study focuses on three stakeholders in duck shooting in Victoria, Australia: hunters, activists, and a government regulator, each of which competes for the public’s support. The issue is intensely debated, especially considering that the ducks are native animals and are not over-populated. The paper compares statements from each stakeholder’s website, to identify their ethical positions. The hunters demonstrate an instrumental, deontological ethic that requires them to follow a set of detailed rules. They portray themselves as safe and responsible hunters, with expertize that enables them to exact a ‘clean kill’. The management authority supports and regulates hunting, and provides a detailed explanation of ‘ethical hunting’ that includes ‘ethical practise in the field’ and legal compliance. The animal activists hold an animal rights ethic, and directly oppose duck shooting. They demonstrate a teleological, or ends-based approach, that is focused upon the outcomes of shooting on the ducks.