The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) would like to remind permit holders that the 2016 Waterfowl Hunting Season will close at 7.30pm on 23 December.
The hunting season was reduced by four weeks this year due to poor seasonal weather, Senior Wildlife Ranger Tess Cooper said Magpie Geese nesting has declined to historically low levels, which led to the decision to reduce the duration of this year’s season from 16 weeks to 12 weeks.
“We encourage all hunters to submit waterfowl hunting permit returns for the season to assist the Northern Territory Government with the long term sustainability of the magpie geese population and to ensure that hunting remains viable well into the future.”
The Northern Territory Government continues to work closely with stakeholders to improve the management of the waterfowl hunting season.
“The Northern Territory (NT) Hunting Mate app is a free official Northern Territory Government app available for download to assist waterfowl hunters in the Northern Territory to access hunting rules and related information which includes on-line reporting of hunting success, problem crocodile sightings and illegal activity.”
The free app is available on all iPhone and Android smartphones and includes:
ability for hunters to record and report their hunting success online while still in the field
identification of waterfowl species permitted to hunt
maps and locations of hunting reserves
details about the waterfowl hunting season including possession limits, hunting times, non-toxic shot
an online reporting function for illegal hunting and problem crocodiles
options to apply online for permits through the app.
“We congratulate the majority of 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,” said Ms Cooper.
For more information about waterfowl hunting, please visit www.nt.gov.au.
Media interviews Senior Wildlife Ranger/ Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory I Tess Cooper : 0401 110 205
Media contact Department of Tourism and Culture – Parks and Wildlife I Media Manager: 0476 844 832