One of the Top End’s favourite pastimes is set to resume at 6am this morning with the start of the 2018 Waterfowl Hunting Season.
Department of Tourism and Culture’s Acting Chief Wildlife Ranger, Peter Ross, said this year’s 13 week season has a daily bag limit of five magpie geese and 10 ducks per person.
“Waterfowl hunting is extremely popular in the Territory with more than 2500 permitted hunters participating in the season,” Mr Ross said.
“All waterfowl hunters are required to have a waterfowl hunting permit prior to hunting on reserves.
“Hunters are reminded that Lead and Zinc shot is toxic to the environment and at high enough levels can also cause health issues in humans. Toxic shot is banned on all hunting reserves when hunting waterfowl.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves safely and legally and also remember to Be Crocwise when hunting around waterways.
“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.”
The Department of Tourism and Culture would like to advise the following updated information for the 2018 Waterfowl Hunting season:
OPEN: 6.00am 1 October 2018
CLOSE: 7.30pm 23 December 2018 (Howard Springs Hunting Reserve and Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve) 7.30pm 2 January 2019 all other locations.
SHOOTING TIMES:
October: 6.00am and 7.00pm
November: 5.45am and 7.15pm
December: 5.45am and 7.30pm
January: 6.00am and 7.30pm
HUNTING RESERVES: Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve, Howard Springs Hunting Reserve, Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve and Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve
ALLOWED SPECIES: Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Magpie Goose, Hardhead Duck, Maned Duck, Wandering Whistling Duck, Plumed Whistling Duck, Pink-eared Duck
Please note Gunn Point Road realignment road works may have an impact on access. Follow all signs in the area.
For more information and to apply visit www.nt.gov.au/waterfowl
Media contact: Department of Tourism and Culture media manager: 0476 844 832