The 2022 waterfowl hunting season will see an increase in the bag limit for magpie geese when the season kicks off in September.

Each year, scientists from the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security conduct a count of the number of magpie geese and the amount of nesting during an aerial survey over Top End floodplains.

This year’s survey has demonstrated a strong increase in the Territory’s magpie goose population, with the estimate being an increase of 89% on last year’s population estimate.

In recognition of a larger magpie goose population being identified during the survey, the daily bag limit has been increased to seven.

The survey uses a well-established scientific method to give a robust estimate of the total population of magpie geese, with results guiding the annual bag limit and season length.

A Wildlife Management Program for the Magpie Goose is in place and this season’s bag limit is in accordance with the plan, based on this year’s population estimate of 1.86 million geese.

Hunters were limited to a daily take of three magpie geese in the last season.

Favourable wet season conditions, improved nesting and survivorship can all contribute to population improvements, with decreased bag limits during years of low population an important tool to ensure the recovery and persistence of this iconic species.

The waterfowl hunting season will commence from 21 September 2022 on designated hunting reserves with hunters also entitled to a daily bag limit of 10 ducks.

NT Environment Minister Lauren Moss said the government recognised that hunting was an important recreational pursuit for many Territorians.

“The decision around the length of the waterfowl hunting season and the daily bag limit is based on scientific data that is carefully collected and analysed," she said.

“We always seek to strike the right balance that will ensure the sustainability of the magpie goose population, but also the opportunity for hunters to participate in this valued recreational activity. 

“Permitting hunting of this species is balanced by our commitment to ensure the conservation and sustainability of the waterfowl population and to protect the natural environment in which they live and breed.

“Our natural environment is a great part of our Territory lifestyle and something that we must maintain for future generations so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same opportunities.”