Geese and Eagles

Magpie Geese Hunting

Non-Indigenous hunters of magpie geese will be banned from using lead shot this year, the Northern Territory Department of Parks and Wildlife says. The magpie geese hunting season begins on September 1 and will run until the end of the year. Department spokesman Brett Easton says lead shot has been restricted for some time and this year it is being extended to water fowl hunting. "It's well recognised the impacts of lead and what impacts that can have on the health of the actual bird population," he said. "At the end of the day it's really important for the hunters. "We don't want to see an accumulation of lead in the system." The secretary of NT Field and Game, George Hennessy, agrees lead shot should be banned over wetlands, but not over other areas. He also says Indigenous shooters should have the same restrictions. "Not only should non-Indigenous hunters be required to observe a non-toxic shot in wetlands but so should Indigenous shooters for the health issues alone," Mr Hennessy said. "And we actually believe that the Government has a duty of care to non-Indigenous shooters to look after their health too." Parks and Wildlife says a new management plan for magpie geese is expected to to be publicly released in mid August.

Golden Eagles

Ambitious plans to bring Golden Eagles back to Ireland have been guaranteed for the next two years, it was revealed today. Scottish conservationists will continue to support the project by supplying chicks despite a series of poisonings in Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow. In the last years five White-tailed Eagles, one Golden Eagle and two Red Kites have been poisoned and experts believe several more birds were also victims of killer bait and their bodies not recovered. Officials in Scotland said they will donate seven more chicks this year bringing the total number of Golden Eagles released in Donegal to 65. Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe, director of science and biodiversity for the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service, welcomed the move. “I have been pleased to contribute to this review, and reiterate my thanks to Scotland for providing us with Golden Eagles to continue this massively important project,” he said. *IOL