An inquiry into the future of duck shooting in Victoria has been green lit after another season was given the go-ahead despite growing opposition.
A shortened duck hunting season was approved last month but the state government agreed to set up a parliamentary inquiry due to its "increasingly contested" nature.
Victoria's upper house debated a motion to establish a select committee on Thursday night before it passed 20 votes to 15.
The government's upper house deputy leader, Lizzie Blandthorn, said she backed a ban and was disappointed the 2023 season went ahead.
"My views on this issue are well known. I do not need convincing and I'm certainly not for turning," she told the house.
"But I do believe that, given hotly contested positions on this issue, an inquiry is an important aspect of coming to a decision."
The nine-member committee will consist of three government, three coalition and three crossbench MPs. Ms Blandthorn indicated she would not be a part of the committee.
Its first meeting is expected to be held within a week of the deadline for nominations.
National Party MP Melina Bath said the Andrews government may as well "cut to the chase" and bring on legislation to ban duck shooting, branding the inquiry a "charade".
"We do not agree with a foregone conclusion and a waste of taxpayers' money to do it," she said.
She said the practice was regulated and shooters had high compliance rates, and should continue for the economics, mental health and traditions of the state.
Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, who has joined duck rescuers for the opening day of each season in the past 10 years, said Ms Bath's contribution was a "fairy tale" and described shooters' behaviour as "atrocious".
"There is nothing that will ever let us forget the opening weekend of the duck shooting season in 2017. It was one of the most traumatic experiences of my entire life," she said.
The committee will hold hearings to listen to the views of hunting, animal welfare and regional community groups, and is due to publish its final report by August 31.
An amendment to extend the reporting deadline to the end of October was defeated despite Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Jeff Bourman declaring it was needed to allay perceptions of a government "fit up".
Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are the only states where duck shooting is permitted.
Western Australia, NSW and Queensland banned the practice in 1990, 1995 and 2005, respectively.
The South Australian Labor government also established an inquiry into recreational native bird hunting when announcing its 2023 season.
