NT public reserve waterfowl season opens September 5

Northern Territory hunters will return to four public hunting reserves when the 2026 magpie goose and waterfowl season opens on Saturday, September 5.

Hunting will open at Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve, Howard Springs Hunting Reserve, Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve and Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve.

Recreational hunting remains an important part of the Territory lifestyle, with dedicated reserves providing public hunting opportunities for locals and visiting hunters alike.

Hunting at Lambells Lagoon and Howard Springs will close at 7.30pm on December 23, 2026. Hunting at Shoal Bay and Harrison Dam will remain open until 7.30pm on January 3, 2027.

Private-land hunting opened earlier on August 15 and closes at 7.30pm on January 3. Hunters must have the landholder’s permission before hunting on private land.

Permits and bag limits
Every hunter must hold a current NT magpie goose and waterfowl hunting permit. This requirement applies on both public hunting reserves and private land.

The daily bag limit for each hunter is seven magpie geese and 10 other permitted waterfowl. Hunters who are away from their usual residence for three or more days may possess up to 21 magpie geese and 30 other waterfowl.

Permitted waterfowl species include Pacific black duck, grey teal, hardhead, maned duck, wandering whistling duck, plumed whistling duck and pink-eared duck. Hunters should be confident in species identification before taking a shot.

Before heading afield
During September, shooting is permitted between 6am and 7pm. Hunting hours change later in the season, so hunters should check the current NT Government information before each trip.

Only approved shotguns or hunting bows may be used. Lead shot is illegal for waterfowl hunting in the NT, and hunters using shotguns must carry suitable non-toxic ammunition. Other rules cover shot sizes, retrieval dogs, reserve access, carcass handling and safe distances between hunters.

Interstate and international visitors may also need an NT Parks Visitor Pass to enter most parks and reserves.

The NT Government has also issued current advice concerning H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza. Although there has been no detection in the NT, people should avoid sick or dead birds, record the location and report multiple affected animals through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Conditions and reserve access can change at short notice. Hunters should check the official season information, reserve status and permit conditions before travelling.