The Northern Territory Government has continued its shooter-friendly approach to outdoor recreation, confirming the waterfowl hunting season there will run from 6 September until 4 January — and that the current daily bag limits will remain in place until 2030.
The Country Labor Party (CLP) Government, led by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, has confirmed licensed waterfowl hunters will be able to take up to seven magpie geese and 10 ducks, per person per day, until the 2029 hunting season ends on 6 January, 2030.
Prominent NT hunter and wetlands conservationist Bart Irwin welcomed the announcement, saying it was another example of the CLP Government fulfilling its election promises, and would offer certainty to hunters from the Territory, interstate and overseas alike.
“It also gives certainty to the businesses that rely on the season, like gun shops, to order consumables like shotshells,” he said.
“We’re the only jurisdiction in Australia that uses BB to No 1 shot pellets, and it has to be non-toxic. If not for the NT there wouldn’t be a lot of that imported to Australia.
“Those orders go in around February or March so they land in Australia in time for the hunting season – and now those businesses know what the bag limit is, they know how much ammo get.”
Bart also said the locked-in hunting limits would be very helpful for data gathering, allowing data to be taken and compared against each season over the six years with similar conditions prevailing each year.
NT Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the CLP Government was proud to back recreational hunters and support the Northern Territory’s unique lifestyle.
“Recreational hunting is an important part of the Territory way of life, and our government is delivering the certainty and access hunters need to enjoy it responsibly,” he said.
“The CLP is restoring the unique Territory lifestyle by listening to locals, expanding access to hunting areas, and locking in season dates well into the future so Territorians can plan with confidence.”
Since its election in August 2024, the CLP Government has also expanded the size of the Harrison Dam hunting area, and confirmed the recently acquired Silkwood property will include a dedicated hunting reserve.
NT hunters, including those planning to visit the NT for hunting, can apply for a waterfowl hunting licence here: https://service.nt.gov.au/services/recreation-outdoor/magpie-geese-waterfowl-hunting-permit
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