ABOUT HUNTING
Goose hunting in the Northern Territory is an exciting and entertaining sport. Flock after flock of noisy honking Magpie Geese will greet the hunter each morning as the great red sun of the north begins to light the day. Tropical surroundings along with strange foliage and landscapes make the NT’s waterfowl hunting different from anywhere else in Australia. It will be a hunting trip that you will always remember.
We have put together a hunting package for the bird hunter wishing to experience the thrill of the north. Their experience of the local hunting areas, techniques and climate will help to ensure a successful, comfortable and most importantly, a safe hunt.
The Northern Territory is not a place for inexperienced hunters and the dangers associated with the land and the climate cannot be taken lightly. Temperatures well in excess of 33°C with humidity levels of 95% will be experienced. Sandflies, ants, mosquitoes, leeches, snakes, wild pigs and crocodiles all add to the adventure of a goose hunting trip to the wetlands of the NT.
We have endeavored to make sure that the hunter will be able to enjoy his hunt and the sights of the Territory. The use of correct equipment, air-conditioned vehicles, quality accommodation in Darwin and the knowledge of what to see and how to handle the NT will allow the hunter to rest and recuperate between hunts.
Buffalos
Water buffalos were imported to Australia in the 19th century to supply meat to remote northern settlements. The settlements and their buffalos were abandoned in 1949 and despite harvesting for meat, hides and as hunter’s trophies, buffalos spread across the northern floodplains.
By the 1970s buffalo numbers were so high that they were destroying wetlands and harbouring diseases that could affect native species and livestock. The brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication program otherwise known as btec, was devolved to protect the meat export industry, which has drastically reduced the original buffalo numbers from the early 1980s.
Australia has a mixture of the two types of buffalos.
The river type from western Asia with curled horns and the swamp type from eastern Asia with swept back horns.
The buffalo eats a broad range of foods grasses, herbs and the leaves of plants like pandanus. Mid morning they move to water to drink and swallow also to stay cool and avoid biting insects. For many years buffalo have supported several industries, meat for human consumption, pet meat, hides, horns animals for live export and of course game for hunters.
So why not try your hand at the elusive Northern Territory buffalo?
Its not as easy as you think.
Pigs (Wild Boar)
After the turn of the century the number of wild pigs increased dramatically. When the government set up experimental farms in the top end at Oenpelli, Batchellor and Daly River, this too assisted in spreading the wild pig. And in 2008 these numbers are still growing. One thing we have in common with north Queensland where there are abundant numbers is that wild pigs can only be hunted realistically seven months of the year. This is due to monsoonal rains between the months of November and March. In which time the pigs spread out and breed prolifically. A good sow will have up to 3 litters a year producing up to 12 piglets a time. Keeping in mind not all these survive due to predators and climatic conditions. Hence why we have such a large pig population and also the reason why the hunting is so good in the Northern Territory.
Geese & Ducks
Goose hunting in the Northern Territory is an exciting and entertaining sport. Flock after flock of noisy honking Magpie Geese will greet the hunter each morning as the great red sun of the north begins to light the day. Tropical surroundings along with strange foliage and landscapes make the NT’s waterfowl hunting different from anywhere else in Australia. It will be a hunting trip that you will always remember.
The Northern Territory is not a place for inexperienced hunters and the dangers associated with the land and the climate cannot be taken lightly. Temperatures well in excess of 33°C with humidity levels of 95% will be experienced. Sandflies, ants, mosquitoes, leeches, snakes, wild pigs and crocodiles all add to the adventure of a goose hunting trip to the wetlands of the NT.
