Waterfowl Archives - Finniss River & Bynoe Harbour

What to Wear Hunting in the Top End, Northern Territory

Hunting magpie geese and other waterfowl in the Top End of the Northern Territory requires clothing and gear suited to the region’s tropical climate, wetland terrain, and safety requirements.

Recommended Clothing and Gear:

Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: The Top End is hot and humid, especially during the hunting season (late dry into early wet season). Wear lightweight, quick-drying shirts and pants to stay cool and comfortable.
Long Sleeves and Pants: These offer protection from sunburn, mosquitoes, and biting insects common in wetland areas.
Camouflage or Neutral Colors: Choose clothing in camouflage or earth tones to blend into the wetland environment and avoid startling game.
Wide-Brimmed Hat or Cap: Essential for sun protection.
Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear: Wetlands and floodplains are muddy and waterlogged. Waterproof boots or waders will protect your feet and make traversing the terrain easier.
Mosquito Repellent and Head Net: Insect activity can be intense, so bring repellent and consider a head net for extra protection.
Rain Gear: Sudden tropical downpours are common, so pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun is strong in the Top End, even on cloudy days.
Gloves: Useful for handling birds, rough vegetation, and to protect against cuts and bites.

Additional Tips:

Hydration: Wear a hydration pack or carry water bottles; dehydration is a risk in the heat.
Safety: High-visibility vests are not required for waterfowl hunting in the NT, but if hunting in groups, consider one for safety when moving through dense vegetation.
Respect for Culture: If hunting on Aboriginal land, dress respectfully and be aware of cultural sensitivities.

Summary Table

Item	Purpose
Lightweight, long-sleeve shirt/pants	Sun and insect protection
Camouflage/earth tones	Concealment in wetland environment
Waterproof boots/waders	Navigate muddy, wet terrain
Wide-brimmed hat/cap	Sun protection
Mosquito repellent/head net	Insect protection
Rain jacket/poncho	Protection from tropical rain
Sunglasses/sunscreen	UV protection
Gloves	Hand protection
Hydration pack/water bottle	Prevent dehydration

Always check the latest local regulations and weather forecasts before heading out, and adjust your gear accordingly for safety and comfort in the challenging Top End environment.

Best Times of Year for Recreational Hunting in the Top End

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.

Trail Cameras

General Climate Considerations

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.

Hunting Gear

Top End Recreational 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:

Pig Hunting Gear

What Can You Hunt?

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.