Hundreds of threatened blue-billed ducks are safer after a last-minute legal bid banned shooters from their wetland home on the eve of Victoria's duck hunting season.
But animal rights activists say it shouldn't have taken a trip to the Supreme Court to force the government to follow its own rules.
Animals Australia and the state government on Friday agreed to halt hunting at Lake Elizabeth in Kerang which is home to the protected blue-billed duck.
Both sides appeared in the Victorian Supreme Court but activists didn't have to apply for an injunction because the government agreed to restrict access to the site over the weekend.
"Despite having closed two other wetlands due to the presence of this species, Lake Elizabeth was set to remain open," Animals Australia's Lyn White said on Friday.
"It shouldn't have taken two charities going to the Supreme Court to seek an injunction to protect a rare and threatened species of waterbird."
Wetlands with more than 50 blue-billed ducks present are considered for closure as part of measures aimed at protecting the threatened species in Victoria.
The state environment department said once it received advice there were 155 blue-billed ducks in the area, it acted.
"While this closure will be disappointing news for hunters and local communities ahead of the opening weekend, authorities are asking for everyone's co-operation," a spokesman said in a statement.
Shooters argue Friday's "shock" decision was based on an outdated counting process and has left hunters disappointed.
"Hunters may (instead) choose to head home after having two successive closures on wetlands which are historically brilliant for supplying wild game for the table," Field and Game Australia general manager David McNabb said.
Ms White says northern Victoria is so dry that birds have flocked to Lake Elizabeth which has been artificially filled with water.
So far six wetlands have been closed for the opening weekend of the hunting season - but there's still around 180 that will be open to shooters.
The state government is yet to decide if Lake Elizabeth should remain closed for the rest of the season.
Animals Australia lawyer Daniel Star asked for Friday's Supreme Court hearing to be adjourned to ensure the government keeps its promise.
Justice Michael McDonald subsequently adjourned the matter until Tuesday.
The 2016 duck hunting season will run for 12 weeks until Monday, June 13.
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