Minister for Parks and Wildlife
Gerard Maley
Deputy Chief Minister
Joint Media Release Bag 'em up: Waterfowl hunting season starts early
6 September 2025
Territory hunters can dust off the camo, pack the eskies and load up for the season ahead - the Finocchiaro CLP Government has today fired the starter's gun on the 2025 recreational waterfowl season, opening three weeks earlier than usual.
From today, licensed hunters can chase the prized Magpie Goose and other game birds across approved Parks and Wildlife reserves including Lambells Lagoon and Howard Springs until 23 December 2025, and Shoal Bay Coastal and Harrison Dam reserves until 4 January 2026.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby said it's all part of restoring our unique Territory lifestyle.
"The previous Labor government turned their backs on Territory hunters - the CLP made a clear commitment before the election to support them, and we are delivering," said Ms Boothby.
"Hunting is a valued activity for locals and tourists alike, and we're proud to back this Territory tradition with certainty."
An aerial survey earlier this year found an impressive 1.22 million magpie geese and more than 70,000 nests across the Top End floodplains from the Moyle River to Arnhem Land - a season ripe for hunters.
Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said giving certainty on bag limits and season dates up to 2029 was a game-changer.
"During our year of action, certainty and security, we've locked in bag limits and season dates for the next five years up to and including the 2029 season, to restore the unique Territory lifestyle, boost tourism, and give confidence to hunters, guns and ammo shops, and others who rely on the industry," said Mr Maley.
"As an avid hunter myself, I'm looking forward to getting out there, and I encourage everyone to follow the rules and do the right thing so we can keep these traditions going for generations."
"With the recent announcement of the expansion of Litchfield National Park, we are adding in additional hunting areas, which supports sustainable hunting practices, safety for hunters, local biodiversity and relieves pressure on existing sites."
Territory wetland conservationist and keen hunter Bart Irwin said and starting the season three weeks early helped distribute hunters across all four reserves, easing pressure on geese and ducks as Howard Swamp and Shoal Bay still have water and birds.
"Moving the opening day to Saturday from the Wednesday opening, as it has been all through the Labor years, allows families to all join in the hunt, creating lifelong memories for children and parents alike," said Mr Irwin.
"Knowing when the season starts each year and what the bag limit is, is so reassuring for anyone getting into this recreation. It will encourage more to join in, especially from interstate when cheap flights come on the market."
To make the experience even better, the CLP Government is expanding access with new hunting areas, including Harrison Dam and a dedicated reserve at the newly acquired Silkwood property.
Hunters must hold a waterfowl permit.
Apply at the Parks and Wildlife Permits Office, Goyder Building in Palmerston, or online at nt.gov.au/waterfowl.
