Hundreds of birds shot and dumped at popular NT hunting spot just eight days into season

ONE of the Top End’s most popular hunting spots has been left in a disgusting state, with hundreds of bird carcasses left to rot and rubbish strewn across the bushland – WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

ONE of the Top End’s most popular hunting spots has been left in a disgusting state, with hundreds of bird carcasses left to rot and rubbish strewn throughout the bushland, just eight days into the NT hunting season.

The Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve has become a dumping ground for unscrupulous shooters, as seen in a video shared with the NT News by Darwin resident Russell Hall.

Mr Hall said he only captured a small portion of the devastation in the video he took on Monday afternoon.

“I’ve been shooting for about eight years now and I go to Lambells every year and this is by far the worst I’ve ever seen it,” he said.

“I would say there would have been over 300 to 400 birds there, without hesitation, and I reckon, this is just my opinion, it was done in one day.

“These birds were very fresh, only a day or two old.”

NT Field and Game Association's Bart Irwin is angered that hunters at Lambells Lagoon have left empty shells, rubbish and carcasses strewn throughout the reserve with responsible hunters and Parks and Wildlife staff having been left to clean up after them.

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Mr Hall said the hunting community was angry about the incident and there had been a lot of concern about what would happen next.

“I’m disgusted. Growing up and teaching my kids as well on the responsibilities when you are shooting, you take your rubbish with you and you take your limit,” he said.

“I think it is going to get serious. Nobody is happy about it and there could be repercussions. Something needs to give.”

Acting chief wildlife ranger Peter Ross said dumping birds attracted a heavy penalty.

“This video is the perfect example of what not to do with your carcasses and heavy fines of up to $7750 can apply,” he said.

“Parks, Wildlife and Heritage Rangers conduct random checks of hunting reserves throughout the season to ensure hunters have permits.”

NT Field and Game Association spokesman Bart Irwin said the event was likely the work of a few hooligans.

“Disgraceful scene by people who, if they are licenced, are not compliant with the conditions of their waterfowl hunting permit,” he said.

“NT Field and Game has been at the forefront of litter control programs in the hunting reserves putting five sets of bins in Harrison Dam … It seems our next project will have to be Lambells Lagoon.

“Hunters should remember that what they take in to the swamp they need to take out. If they have one goose in possession they should have at least one empty cartridge in their pocket, otherwise they can be charged with littering.”