Hunters applying for a Game Licence endorsed for duck must have passed the WIT, which is this year being administered by Game Victoria, within the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

DPI has worked with Field and Game Australia (FGA) to set dates for hunters to sit their WIT in various locations across Victoria.

Game Victoria’s Director Simon Toop said that hunters could also participate in a duck identification course run by FGA branches prior to sitting the test.

"Hunters who do not wish to do the identification course with FGA can simply book in with the Department of Primary Industries and sit the test," Mr Toop said.

There are various resources that new hunters can use to help them learn to identify waterfowl, such as the booklet ‘A Guide to Australian Waterfowl’, which is available on DPI’s website.

"No hunter should attempt to sit the WIT without first watching the video called Ducks in Sight, which can be purchased from the FGA national office or some DPI offices or loaned from some local libraries," Mr Toop said.

If hunters wish to participate in the training course run by Field and Game Australia, they should call the FGA national office on (03) 5799 0960.

A full list of FGA’s training and testing dates is available on their website at www.fga.net.au.

Hunters who wish to sit the test without doing the FGA training course should view the game hunting pages on the DPI website for locations and contacts or call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for details.

Hunters must know the regulations that apply to the hunting of ducks in Victoria and are urged to check the current regulations by reading the Victorian Hunting Guide 2012, which is posted to the holders of a Game Licence and also may be viewed on the DPI website.

The duck season for 2012 will open on Saturday 17 March and close on Monday 11 June, 2012.