The Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) remind hunters the 2015-2016 waterfowl hunting season officially closed at 7.30pm on Sunday, 3 January.

Senior Scientist, Wildlife Use and Pest Animals, Keith Saalfeld, said there was no record of hunters exceeding the set bag limits this season.

“The daily bag limit of 10 ducks per person per day remained this season. However, the daily bag limit of magpie geese was reduced from 10 to seven following two poor wet seasons,” said Mr Saalfeld.

“The reason for this reduction was due mainly to poor nesting, caused by well below average rainfall, or long periods with minimal rainfall.”

Reducing this year’s bag limits and season duration slightly allowed hunters to enjoy the waterfowl hunting season without adversely impacting the magpie geese population beyond sustainable levels.

“Research undertaken by the DLRM Flora and Fauna Division, includes aerial surveys and an analysis of permit returns; which help determine the length and bag limit for the next hunting season.

“We strongly encourage all permit holders to submit waterfowl hunting permit returns for the season to assist the Northern Territory Government to ensure the long term sustainability of the magpie geese population and to ensure that hunting remains viable well into the future.

"We congratulate hunters on their good behaviour this season and thank organisations such as NT Field and Game and their members for educating the public about safe and ethical hunting practices and playing an active role in magpie goose management," Mr Saalfeld said.

Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve and Howard Springs Hunting Reserve were closed before Christmas on 23 December.

All other locations are now closed to waterfowl hunting, including Shoal Bay Conservation Reserve, Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve, Crown land and private property. Failure to adhere to this closure may result in prosecution.

Ends

Media Note – for more information contact Keith Saalfeld 8995 5039