The Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security has today opened Waterfowl Hunting Season on designated areas to permitted hunters.

This season’s daily limit is the same as last year at seven (7) magpie geese and ten (10) other listed waterfowl per person.

Hunters may hunt Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Magpie Goose, Hardhead Duck, Maned Duck, Wandering Whistling Duck, Plumed Whistling Duck, and Pink-eared Duck.

These limits have been established using the sustainable harvest model in the Wildlife Management Program for the Magpie Goose in the Northern Territory 2020 – 2030.

All hunters are strongly encouraged to download the NT Hunting Mate app, a waterfowl hunting guide to safe and authorised hunting. The app can be downloaded at https://nt.gov.au/leisure/hunting-and-shooting/get-the-app/nt-hunting-mate-app

Hunting reserves include Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve, Howard Springs Hunting Reserve, Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve and Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve.

Hunters are reminded that shooting times change each month:

·        September from 6am to 7pm.

·        October from 6am to 7pm.

·        November from 5:50am to 7:15pm.

·        December from 5:50am to 7:30pm.

·        January from 5:50am to 7:30pm.

The 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Season will close at 7.30pm on 23 December at Howard Springs Hunting Reserve and Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve, and 7.30pm on 4 January 2021 at all other locations.

For more information visit www.nt.gov.au/waterfowl 

Quotes from Kristen Hay, Director of Wildlife Operations, Parks and Wildlife Division

“Waterfowl hunting is a favourite pastime of many Territorians, with hunters counting down to the start of the season each year.”

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves safely and legally. All hunters are required to have a permit prior to hunting on reserves, and we ask that everyone looks after the parks and disposes of waste thoughtfully this season.

“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. The use of toxic shot is banned when hunting waterfowl.

“Please always remember to Be Crocwise when hunting in and around waterways.

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

Media contact

Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Media Manager | 0476 844 832