Across the Grampians region Lake Bolac, Pine Lake, Lake Lonsdale and Lake Linlithgow were open to shooters, with various restrictions in place for some locations due to the presence of some threatened species.

A Game Management Authority spokesman said preliminary results from opening weekend were available.

"Government officials were present at 31 major wetlands where there were approximately 1,300 hunters over the 2019 Victorian duck hunting season opening weekend," he said.

"A number of hunting and firearms offences were reported including: two hunters exceeding the bag limit; seven hunters hunting without a valid Game Licence; one hunter in possession of toxic shot, one hunter failing to make all reasonable attempts to retrieve a downed bird; four hunters failing to retain a wing of a harvested duck; and two hunters for using a firearm in a dangerous manner under the influence of alcohol.

"Penalties for these offences included the seizure of firearms and a number of infringement notices were issued. Some of the above matters may also proceed to court. 

"Three protestors were arrested at Lake Straun by Victoria Police and will be processed for entering a specified hunting area during prohibited times and failing to follow directions of Authorised Officers."

Farther away at Lake Cullen, near Kerang in the state's north, Animal Justice Party Member of the Legislative Council for Western Victoria Andy Meddick attended day one of the season with the Coalition Against Duck Shooting.

Mr Meddick did not enter the water, which is illegal before 10am unless the person has a relevant game licence and carries penalties. 

Mr Meddick said he chose Lake Cullen because it was a popular spot for birds.

"It's on migration routes, it's on breeding routes, it just made sense this time around," he said.

"We campaigned on this to win a seat. Duck shooting is a horrendously cruel sport, it's indiscriminate. When they fire their shotguns the pellets go anywhere." 

Mr Meddick is currently working on a bill to ban duck shooting.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.