The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) would like to remind recreational hunters of the importance of clearly identifying targets before shooting this 2015 Waterfowl Hunting season.

“On Sunday, PWCNT received reports from a conscientious member of the hunting community that an injured White-Bellied Sea Eagle had been sighted at Boar Casing Lagoon, within Shoal Bay Hunting Reserve,” said PWCNT Ranger Tess Cooper.

“Both myself and PWCNT Ranger John Papple, located the bird which was unable to fly. Due to the severity of its injuries, the animal was humanely euthanized.

“White-Bellied Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster) are not classified as a species that may be hunted under a Waterfowl Hunting Permit and doing so is a serious offence under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, having a maximum penalty of $76,500 or 5 years imprisonment.

“The Commission would like to remind hunters to remain professional and to clearly identify targets before shooting and to defer the shot if they are unsure what type of bird it is.

“Over 1600 permits have already been issued and the vast majority of hunters do the right thing.”

This year has seen a number of key changes introduced to help make recreational hunting an easy and enjoyable experience for Territorians and interstate visitors.

Online applications and extended permits mean that shooters are now able to enjoy this unique Territory experience for many years to come.

Rangers will continue patrolling hunting reserves throughout the season’s duration. Please help by reporting any breaches observed to Parks and Wildlife on 0401 115 702

More information about the 2015 waterfowl hunting season is available at www.nt.gov.au/waterfowl, including information about where to hunt and how to obtain a hunting permit online.

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Media note – For further information please contact Tess Cooper 0401 115 702