Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford announced on Friday the season would go ahead despite widespread calls for it to be cancelled.

Modified bag and species limits will apply.

Federal politician Kelvin Thomson and the RSPCA this month called on the government to abandon the season. 

However Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said duck hunting should go ahead.

Ms Pulford said below-average rain had reduced duck numbers and habitats. 

She said this meant the Game Management Authority recommended a reduced bag was necessary to ensure duck populations were sustainable.

The bag limit is eight birds for the opening day, and four birds a day for the rest of the season.

Hunters will be prohibited from shooting blue-winged shovelers.

The season will run for 12 weeks, starting on March 19.

Ms Pulford said the decision to go ahead based on expert advice from the authority and extensive habitat and waterbird surveys across eastern Australia.

She said the authority and partner agencies including Parks Victoria and police would be out in force to ensure hunters complied with laws.

“Duck season is an important economic contributor to the rural economy and I encourage our 26,000 licenced hunters get out into our rural and regional areas as usual,” she said.

“Hunters are reminded to act safely and responsibly at all times while enjoying their hunting.”