HELP RID THE TERRITORY OF ITS FERAL ANIMALS
If you’re a keen hunter of feral animals, but lack the land on which to do it, the Back Country Hunting Program will commence again soon.
This is an initiative of the NT Firearms Council (NTFC) and Approved Hunting Organisations (AHO) in conjunction with the NT Government through NT Parks and Wildlife (NTPWC).
The program allows hunters who pass an open book accreditation test and meet the usual criteria of possessing a shooter’s licence to hunt on nominated days in areas of NTPWC land managed by the Back Country Hunting administrators.
To become accredited the applicants will receive training and handbooks to study, then undertake an open book test at the Darwin Rifle Club at Micket Creek Shooting Complex. All applicants must be a member of an AHO. These are the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA), Field and Game Australia (FGA) or Australian Deer Association (ADA).
While the concept of another firearm accreditation course may be considered a burden by experienced hunters, we must all acknowledge the modern requirement to meet a certain “onus of responsibility” for firearm use, and to establish a common benchmark for all participants that will stand scrutiny by any third party.
Considering the potential outcomes following on from accreditation, it is hoped even the most seasoned hunters will appreciate the course for what it is, and what can be achieved by its whole-hearted adoption.
To those new to hunting, or younger participants whose parents or immediate family were not hunters or outdoor orientated, the course may provide useful guidelines for the conduct of responsible hunting within the BCH initiative and in the wider context. Upcoming courses for April are: • Friday, April 7, 7pm • Saturday, April 8, 12.30pm • Friday, April 28, 7pm • Saturday, April 29, 12.30pm For enrolments and enquiries phone 8947 1682, email info@ntfirearms.com.au, visit ntfirearms.com.au or see Facebook: NT Back Country Hunting
Sporting clay target practice is back on Fridays at the NT Field and Game range, Micket Creek Shooting Complex, Brandt Rd, Knuckey Lagoon.
There are now two grounds with the token system in operation. The ranges will be open from 3pm on Fridays for those who plan ahead and pre-purchase ammo and tokens. The sales desk normally opens at 5pm. The next competition will be a 50-target simulated field event held on Sunday, April 16 from 8am.