Magpie goose numbers up; bag limits set to increase

THE Territory Government is looking at the magpie goose bag limits for next hunting season.

Magpie goose over the floodplains. Picture: Richard l’Anson.jpg Bamurru Plains Northern Territory

THE Territory Government is likely to increase magpie goose bag limits next hunting season.

Bag limits were set at five birds during last year’s 13 week season.

That was an increase from the previous season, in which bag limits were slashed to three birds, infuriating hunters.

But at an Estimates hearing yesterday, it was revealed that aerial surveys had revealed magpie goose numbers had increased by about 500,000 birds.

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Environment Department flora and fauna executive director Alaric Fisher told the hearing the increase in numbers came despite a poor nesting season.

A final decision on this year’s magpie goose bag limit and hunting season length is expected to be announced before July 1.