Mr DUNHAM - 1998-08-11
With the 1998 wild fowl hunting season approaching, what plans are in place for the shooting season?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this year’s waterfowl hunting season will be for a period of 4 months, and that represents an extension of 1 month to the season.
Extensions to seasons are not too unusual, although the last one was in 1995. They come about usually because of good climatic conditions that allow for good breeding of waterfowl in the Top End. We all know that the Northern Territory had a great Wet last season. Whilst that brought devastation in some communities in the Territory, it produced ideal conditions for the breeding of waterfowl.
The Parks and Wildlife Commission carries out extensive surveys year to year to determine the numbers of birdfowl. This year, the department found that the population was very extensive. To give an example, the estimated number of magpie geese present in the areas of the traditional hunting grounds is between 1.45 million birds to 2.5 million birds.
The Parks and Wildlife Commission uses these surveys to determine the extent of the season and the timing of the season. This year, it has been determined that an extra month will be added to the beginning of the season. This will augur well for the good sustainable management of the waterfowl population. The surveys are based on the previous wet season, the current dry season and predictions for what the next Wet will be like.
I take the opportunity to remind listeners and members where hunting can take place. Hunting can take place on the following reserves: Howard Springs, Harrison Dam, and Lambells Lagoon. Hunting can also occur on designated Crown land with the permission of and a permit from the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment. Hunting can occur on private land with the permission of landowners. Permits need to be sought locally from places like Casuarina Guns and Tackle, Davies Sports Centre and other sporting shops.
A wide range of waterfowl can be hunted, including magpie geese, Pacific black duck, wandering whistle duck, plumed whistle duck, grey teal and so forth. The types of birdfowl that can be hunted will be set out in advertisements over the coming couple of weeks, enabling people who take advantage of the hunting season in 1998 to be fully aware of not only the types of birdfowl than can be hunted but also the sort of firearms that can be used for different types of species and the bag limits. We must be mindful that bag limits apply. If there is to be sustainable management, people need to make themselves aware of all of the factors I have just referred to.
I wish hunters well for this coming season. I remind them of the safety factors that are involved in any shooting exercise.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this year’s waterfowl hunting season will be for a period of 4 months, and that represents an extension of 1 month to the season.
Extensions to seasons are not too unusual, although the last one was in 1995. They come about usually because of good climatic conditions that allow for good breeding of waterfowl in the Top End. We all know that the Northern Territory had a great Wet last season. Whilst that brought devastation in some communities in the Territory, it produced ideal conditions for the breeding of waterfowl.
The Parks and Wildlife Commission carries out extensive surveys year to year to determine the numbers of birdfowl. This year, the department found that the population was very extensive. To give an example, the estimated number of magpie geese present in the areas of the traditional hunting grounds is between 1.45 million birds to 2.5 million birds.
The Parks and Wildlife Commission uses these surveys to determine the extent of the season and the timing of the season. This year, it has been determined that an extra month will be added to the beginning of the season. This will augur well for the good sustainable management of the waterfowl population. The surveys are based on the previous wet season, the current dry season and predictions for what the next Wet will be like.
I take the opportunity to remind listeners and members where hunting can take place. Hunting can take place on the following reserves: Howard Springs, Harrison Dam, and Lambells Lagoon. Hunting can also occur on designated Crown land with the permission of and a permit from the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment. Hunting can occur on private land with the permission of landowners. Permits need to be sought locally from places like Casuarina Guns and Tackle, Davies Sports Centre and other sporting shops.
A wide range of waterfowl can be hunted, including magpie geese, Pacific black duck, wandering whistle duck, plumed whistle duck, grey teal and so forth. The types of birdfowl that can be hunted will be set out in advertisements over the coming couple of weeks, enabling people who take advantage of the hunting season in 1998 to be fully aware of not only the types of birdfowl than can be hunted but also the sort of firearms that can be used for different types of species and the bag limits. We must be mindful that bag limits apply. If there is to be sustainable management, people need to make themselves aware of all of the factors I have just referred to.
I wish hunters well for this coming season. I remind them of the safety factors that are involved in any shooting exercise.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016