The Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler, today announced the 2019 Waterfowl hunting season dates and conditions.

This year’s Waterfowl hunting season commences Wednesday, 25 September 2019 ending Monday, 6 January 2020.

The 15-week season will see the daily bag limit increased to seven magpie geese and ten ducks, per person, per day this year.

The Territory Labor Government is ensuring that the declared annual waterfowl season is sustainable for the long-term benefit of all, including hunters, residents, tourists and tourism operators.

An aerial survey across the Top End’s floodplains in May this year, has estimated the 2019 magpie goose population as 1.48 million, double what it was two years ago.

The Northern Territory Government is currently reviewing the Management Plan in consultation with key groups including recreational hunters, with the new plan to be in place prior to the next hunting season to ensure harvests continue to be sustainable.

Hunters are reminded of several conditions relating to Waterfowl hunting in the NT, the Parks and Wildlife Commission conducts random patrols of hunting grounds to ensure hunters have their permits with them and are not using lead shot.

For more information go to www.nt.gov.au/waterfowl

Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“Protecting our environment creates jobs – good environmental policy is smart economic policy.

“The Territory’s natural environment is one of our best assets and a huge part of what makes living here so special – we want to maintain it for future generations

“This is why we are taking steps to ensure the conservation and sustainability of our waterfowl population – basing our decisions on science.

“We will continue to work closely with recreational hunters, residents and tourism operators to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Territory’s waterfowl population.”

Quotes from the Vice President and Environment and Conservation Delegate from the NT Firearms Council, Tony Orr:

"The NT Firearms Council fully supports the Magpie Goose Management Plan, has done since its inception, and looks forward to the outcome of the current review.”

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689