North Australian FISH FINDER forums

NRETAS PRESS RELEASE
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Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers have issued nine infringement notices during the first 95 days of the 2009 waterfowl hunting season, and will continue to monitor hunting activities until the season ends at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 30 December 2009.

Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) wildlife officer Peter Phillips said overall a majority of people inspected this season have been doing the right thing.

“This is a timely reminder for waterfowl hunters to ensure they adhere to the conditions on their permit, any breaches detected by officers or rangers can have serious consequences,” Mr Phillips said.

“One of the infringements issued this season for breaching the bag limit resulted in three hunters having their current waterfowl hunting permits revoked and subsequently they are now banned from hunting for five years under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act.

“With the festive season fast approaching there’s bound to be an increase in the number of hunters heading out to our parks and reserves, we’ll be stepping up our patrols not only on weekends but during the week and at various times.

“With only nine infringements in 95 days of the 2009 waterfowl hunting season it seems most hunters continue to act within the confines of the law and we continue to urge Territorians to do the right thing and abide by the permit conditions.

“It is through careful management and cooperation that we can continue the long term sustainability of waterfowl hunting.”

Mr Phillips said the permit conditions for the 2009 waterfowl hunting season include a bag limit of seven geese and seven ducks per person.

“Under the conditions of permit, lead and zinc shot types are banned as lead poisoning poses a severe threat to waterfowl populations and the health of our wetlands,” Mr Phillips said.

“We are also encouraging shooters to dispose of carcasses responsibly and to remove carcasses from reserves wherever practical.

“Hunters have been requested to lodge a permit return at the end of the hunting season, as permit returns a vital part of the overall management of the waterfowl hunting season.“

For more information about waterfowl hunting and permits go to www.nt.gov.au/waterfowl.