Waterfowl hunting season: Seven magpie geese, 10 ducks for bag limit

Top End hunters will be able to collect the maximum allowable limit for another year, with the number stated to be at “sustainable” levels.

The hunting season kicks off at Howard Springs Hunting Reserve and other permitted areas in September. Picture: Che Chorley

Waterfowl hunters will be able to hunt and collect up to seven magpie geese and 10 ducks per day this hunting season.

The NT government announced on Monday the daily bag limit would remain at the maximum allowable limit again in 2024, for a third year since the limit increased.

The maximum daily limit increased from three to seven in July 2022.

The increase was announced after scientists from the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security found an 89 per cent jump on population figures from 2021.

Magpie geese hunting daily bag limits will remain at seven. Picture: Contributed

According to Environment Minister Kate Worden the limit of seven magpie geese per hunter per day in considered sustainable in a population of more than 1.25 million.

“The daily bag limits are underpinned by a science-based management plan and the annual population survey conducted by the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security,” she said.

“Permitting hunting of waterfowl is balanced by our commitment to ensure the long-term conservation of the waterfowl population and to protect the natural environment in which waterfowl live and breed.”

The hunting season officially commences on September 25.

Hunters with a permit to hunt waterfowl will be able to do so at Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve and Howard Springs Hunting Reserve until December 23, Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve and Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve until January 6 as well as designated Crown land with the correct permit and private property under certain conditions.