Today the Northern Territory Government has released the 2021 dates and conditions for this year's 15 week hunting season, which is based upon scientific advice.
The recreational waterfowl hunting season will run from 22 September 2021 to 10 January 2022 on most designated hunting reserves with a daily bag limit of three magpie geese and 10 ducks per person.
The bag limits and season duration are in accordance with the Wildlife Management Program for the Magpie Goose in the Northern Territory of Australia 2020-2030.
This Program is based on scientific research and ensures the annual waterfowl hunting season is sustainable for the long-term benefit of all, including hunters, residents, tourists and tourism operators.
The bag limit aims to balance recreational hunting opportunities and other types of harvest, while maintaining a healthy goose population.
Survey results this year gave an estimated population of 980,000 magpie geese, which shows a decline of 31% from the previous year.
Multiple factors may have contributed to this decline including successive poor wet seasons in 2018/19 and 2019/20 resulting in poor 2019 and 2020 breeding seasons, as well as the cumulative impacts on the dry season food resource causing lower survivorship.
Hunters are required to have a waterfowl hunting permit and must not use lead shot.
Hunters in possession of a valid Parks and Wildlife waterfowl permit will be able to hunt on:
- Parks and Wildlife hunting reserves - Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve and Howard Springs Hunting Reserve from 22 September until 23 December and Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve and Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve from 22 September until 10 January);
- Private property - if you have the express approval of the landholder and can meet the setback conditions under the Firearms Act from 16 August until 10 January 2022.
The bag limit aims to balance recreational hunting opportunities and other types of harvest, while maintaining a healthy goose population
Quotes from the Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler:
"Our natural environment is part of our great Territory lifestyle and we need to maintain it for future generations, so our children and grandchildren can have the opportunities we have today.
"This is why we are taking steps to ensure the conservation and sustainability of our waterfowl population – basing our decisions on science and listening to the experts.
"Each year, scientists from DEPWS count the number of magpie geese and the amount of nesting in the Top End during an aerial survey over selected floodplains.
"These surveys use a long established scientific method and give a robust estimate of the total population of magpie geese, with results guiding the annual bag limit and season length.
"We will continue to work closely with recreational hunters, residents and tourism operators to ensure the ongoing conservation and sustainability of the Territory's waterfowl population."
