The Department of Tourism and Culture has today opened waterfowl hunting season to permitted hunters.

The 2017 Northern Territory waterfowl hunting season opened at 6:00am this morning and will close 7:30pm on December 23.

Director of Wildlife Operations, Brett Easton, said hunters can find updated information on bag limits and hunting locations and also apply for a permit on the NT Hunting Mate app.

“Each year more than 2500 permitted waterfowl hunters participate in one of the Territory’s great outdoor recreational pastimes, and the NT Hunting Mate app is a reliable way to ensure you have the most current information at your fingertips,” Mr Easton said.

“This year the daily bag limits for ducks will remain at 10 per person, per day, and the daily bag limits for magpie geese will be three per person, per day.

“Hunters are reminded that Lead and Zinc shot is toxic to geese and at high enough levels can also cause health issues in humans. Toxic shot is banned on all hunting reserves when hunting waterfowl.

“Parks and Wildlife rangers conduct random patrols of hunting grounds to ensure hunters have their permits with them, so make sure you are across your permit conditions.

“We ask that hunters look after our parks and reserves and dispose of waste thoughtfully this hunting season.”

The free NT Hunting Mate 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.

Applications for waterfowl hunting permits can be submitted in person at the Parks and Wildlife permit office at Level 1, JHV 2, 365 Bagot Road Millner between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Permits can also be applied for through the NT Hunting Mate app, mail, facsimile, online or email and must be accompanied by either a $20 or $80 permit fee, depending on the permit length you are applying for.

For more information and to apply visit www.nt.gov.au/waterfowl

Media contact Department of Tourism and Culture – Parks and Wildlife I Media Manager:  0476 844 832