In one of the more bizarre feats of activism to ever cross the music industry, an anti-animal cruelty organisation is calling on iconic Aussie rockers Hunters & Collectors to change the band's name. 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have apparently written an open letter to the band, expressing that in the lead-up to duck-hunting season the band should change their name "to discourage people from hunting animals".

The letter, signed by PETA Australia's associate director of campaigns Ashley Fruno, went on to say that 300,000 waterbirds face death during hunting season, with one in four dying a slow, painful death. 

"We feel sure that it was never your intention to promote the killing of intelligent, sensitive and defenceless animals, your name may nevertheless make hunting seem appealing to fans," the letter said.

Social media erupted in outrage over the bid, with Twitter users calling it the "most ridiculous publicity stunt this decade" and "PETA's jump-the-shark moment".

Despite the 36-year-history of the Melbourne band fronted by Mark Seymour, it's only now that PETA appears to step up with the complaint. 

"As your Adelaide reunion show is coming up, now is the perfect time for a band namelift."

However, a bit of humour in the letter reveals that it's not entirely a serious request, more a bid for some cheap publicity, which in fairness seems to have been achieved. 

PETA suggests as possible namelifts "Hunters & Collectors of Antiques", Hunters & Collectors of Vinyl Records" and "Hunters & Collector of Beer Cans" – all ludicrously unfeasible options. 

PETA's Fruno said the organisation always uses a tongue-in-cheek approach to highlight issues.

"By using humour, PETA brings attention to serious issues, such as the hundreds of thousands of water birds that are killed every year during hunting season. Our name change suggestions may be funny, but the reasons behind it are genuine.

"Recreational duck hunting is banned in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, so it's time for other states to follow suit. We hope that by changing their name, Hunters & Collectors will bring more attention to this important issue."

PETA confirmed it had sent the letter to the band directly earlier on Thursday, but has yet to get a response. 

The band declined to comment. 

Hunters & Collectors play the Clipsal 500 Adelaide on Saturday, March 4.