The best time of year to hunt magpie geese in the Northern Territory is during the official waterfowl hunting season, which is strictly regulated and changes slightly each year. The season typically runs from mid-August to early January.
2024–2025 Season Example
Private Land:
Opens: August 15, 2024
Closes: January 6, 2025
Hunting Reserves:
Opens: September 25, 2024
Closes: January 6, 2025
Daily Hunting Hours
August: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm (private land)
September–October: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm
November: 5:50 am – 7:15 pm
December–Early January: 5:50 am – 7:30 pm
Why These Months Are Best
August and September often offer the best access to wetlands, as water levels are ideal and geese are abundant and active.
The season is set to coincide with the end of the dry season and start of the wet season, when magpie geese congregate in large flocks on floodplains and hunting conditions are optimal.
Access: Early in the season, airboats and other means can reach remote wetlands, maximizing hunting opportunities.
Key Points
You must have a valid permit to hunt magpie geese during the season.
Hunting outside the declared season is illegal and subject to penalties.
Season dates and regulations are reviewed annually based on population surveys and environmental conditions.
Summary Table
Year
Private Land Season
Reserve Season
Season End
2024–2025
Aug 15, 2024
Sep 25, 2024
Jan 6, 2025
For the most up-to-date information, always check the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife website or contact their permits office before planning your hunt.
Magpie geese hunting is a popular and regulated activity in the Top End of the Northern Territory (NT), especially around Darwin and surrounding reserves. The NT government manages the hunt through strict seasonal dates, permit requirements, and bag limits to ensure sustainability and ethical practices.
Season Dates and Permits
Hunting magpie geese and other waterfowl is only allowed during the official, declared season each year. The season dates can change annually, and outside the season, hunting is strictly prohibited. Often sometime between September and January.
A valid hunting permit is required for all hunters. Permits are issued by the NT Parks and Wildlife office.
Where You Can Hunt
Hunting is permitted on designated hunting reserves:
Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve
Howard Springs Hunting Reserve
Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve
Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve
Hunting on private land is allowed only with explicit permission from the landholder.
Hunting is not permitted in other parks, wilderness areas, or sanctuaries.
Bag Limits and Species
The daily bag limit is:
7 magpie geese per hunter
10 other permitted waterfowl per hunter
If camping away from home for three or more days, the possession limit is 21 magpie geese and 30 other waterfowl per person.
Firearms and Ammunition
Only shotguns between 10 and 20 gauge (category A, or category B lever-action with max 5-round magazine) are allowed.
Only non-toxic shot is permitted (steel or other non-lead alternatives), with specific shot size requirements for geese and waterfowl.
Rifles, pistols, pump-action, and self-loading shotguns are prohibited. Lead shot is illegal.
Hunting Practices and Ethics
Hunters are encouraged to aim for instant kills to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Only approved species may be targeted, and hunters must clearly identify their targets.
Dogs may be used for retrieving shot birds (up to 3 per group), but not for chasing or harassing live birds.
Decoys are permitted.
Hunters must not leave edible portions of the carcass behind and must dispose of remains properly.
Cultural and Environmental Context
Magpie geese are abundant in the Top End, with populations managed to ensure sustainability. They can cause significant crop damage, and hunting is sometimes conducted as crop protection for local farmers.
The hunting experience is accessible, with some reserves located within a short drive from Darwin, making it a draw for both locals and visitors.
The activity is celebrated by enthusiasts for its sporting challenge and the culinary value of magpie goose meat.
Summary Table: Key Regulations
Aspect
Regulation/Limit
Season
Declared annually; closed outside set dates
Permit
Mandatory for all hunters
Daily Bag Limit
7 magpie geese, 10 other waterfowl per hunter
Possession Limit
21 geese, 30 waterfowl (if away from home ≥3 days)
Firearms
10-20 gauge shotgun (no pump/self-loading)
Ammunition
Non-toxic shot only, specific shot sizes
Approved Hunting Areas
4 specified reserves, private land with permission
Carcass Disposal
Edible portions must be taken, proper disposal
Use of Dogs/Decoys
Up to 3 dogs for retrieval, decoys permitted
For up-to-date season dates, permit applications, and detailed maps of hunting reserves, consult the NT Government Parks and Wildlife website or contact their permits office.
The best times of year for recreational hunting in the Top End of the Northern Territory depend on the species you are targeting and the local climate.
Waterfowl (Magpie Geese and Ducks)
Season: The waterfowl hunting season typically opens in late September and runs through early January each year.
Why: This period aligns with the end of the dry season and the start of the wet season, when waterfowl populations are high and birds are concentrated on shrinking wetlands.
Bag Limits: For the 2022 season, hunters could take up to 7 magpie geese and 10 ducks per day, but these limits and dates are reviewed annually based on population surveys.
Feral Pigs and Buffalo
Season: Feral pig and buffalo hunting is generally permitted year-round, but the late dry season (August–October) is considered the peak time7.
Why: During the late dry, water sources become scarce, concentrating animals near remaining waterholes and making them easier to locate. The terrain is also more accessible, with lower flood risks and less dense vegetation.
Cautions: Late dry season can be extremely hot, so hunters must prepare for heat and dehydration risks.
Dry Season (April–September): This is the most comfortable time for outdoor activities, including hunting, due to cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer storms.
Wet Season (October–March): Access can be limited due to flooding, and hunting is generally less productive except for some bluewater fishing opportunities.
Summary Table
Species/Target
Best Hunting Period
Notes
Waterfowl (geese, ducks)
Late September–early January
Regulated season, permits required
Feral pigs, buffalo
Late dry season (Aug–Oct)
Year-round, but late dry is most productive
General hunting
Dry season (Apr–Sep)
Best weather and accessibility
In summary:
For waterfowl, hunt during the official season (late September to early January).
For feral pigs and buffalo, the late dry season (August–October) is best for both animal concentration and hunter comfort.
Always check current regulations and permit requirements before hunting.
Recreational hunting is a popular and regulated activity in the Top End of the Northern Territory, with a strong local tradition and specific rules to ensure sustainability and safety. Here’s a detailed overview as @ May 2025:
Feral Pigs: Legal to hunt on nominated reserves with a pig hunting permit.
Waterfowl: Includes magpie geese, grey teal, pink-eared duck, hardhead (white-eye) duck, maned (wood) duck, wandering whistle duck, plumed whistle duck, and Pacific black duck. Hunting is only allowed during the declared season with a valid permit.
Buffalo: Central Arnhem Land is the premier destination, particularly areas around the Mann River and the Central Plateau. These regions are remote, scenic, and home to large populations of free-ranging water buffalo, as well as wild oxen (scrub bulls) and wild boar. Hunts are typically conducted on Aboriginal reserves or private leases, with access managed by professional outfitters.
Permits and Licensing
Permits Required: You must have a permit to hunt feral pigs or waterfowl, regardless of whether you hunt on public hunting reserves or private land (with landholder permission).
Permit Types & Costs:
1-year waterfowl permit: $20
5-year waterfowl permit: $80
Eligibility: Hunters must be 18 or over to apply. Children aged 12–17 can be nominated on an adult’s permit and hunt under supervision.
Firearms: You need a current NT shooters licence or equivalent interstate licence to use firearms. Bowhunters must provide valid photo ID.
Where Can You Hunt?
Public Hunting Reserves: Key reserves include Harrison Dam, Lambells Lagoon, Howard Springs, and Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve.
Private Land: Allowed with written permission from the landholder or occupier.
Crown Land & Aboriginal Land: Permitted with appropriate consent and compliance with regulations.
Back Country Hunting (BCH): NT residents can join BCH programs, requiring membership in an approved hunting organisation, BCH accreditation, and a firearms licence. BCH areas are allocated via permit and require a minimum hunting party of two for safety.
Seasons and Bag Limits
Waterfowl Season: The hunting season for magpie geese and waterfowl typically runs from late September to early January, but dates are set annually and must be checked each year.
Bag Limits: For the 2024-25 season, the daily bag limit is 7 magpie geese and 10 ducks per person.
Feral Pig Hunting: Permitted year-round on specified reserves with a valid permit.
Rules and Regulations
Hunting Methods: Only approved firearms or bows may be used. Lead shot is banned on all government hunting reserves-non-toxic shot is mandatory.
Safety: Minimum party of two for BCH; always check fire warnings and environmental conditions before heading out.
Children and Nominees: Juniors (12–17) and non-Australian residents can be listed as nominees on a permit and must be supervised.
Protected Species: Dingoes are protected and must not be shot. Hunters must be able to distinguish between protected and feral animals.
Reporting: Hunters may be required to submit returns on their hunting activity, especially for waterfowl.
Access and Overcrowding
Growing Popularity: Over 3,400 permits were issued last year, leading to overcrowding in some reserves.
Expansion Plans: There are proposals to expand existing reserves and open new hunting areas to ease pressure and improve hunter experience.
Technology and Resources
NT Hunting Mate App: Provides up-to-date rules, season dates, and hunting information for your phone.
Summary Table
What You Can Hunt
Where to Hunt
When to Hunt
Permit Needed
Bag Limits
Feral pigs, waterfowl
Public reserves, private land (with permission), BCH areas
Waterfowl: Sep–Jan; Pigs: year-round
Yes
Geese: 7/day, Ducks: 10/day
Recreational hunting in the Top End is well-regulated and remains a cherished part of the Territory lifestyle. Always check the latest rules, obtain the correct permits, and hunt safely and responsibly.
