I'm told that prior to John Howard, handgun permits for protection against crocs, were quite common and easy to get in the NT. Quite a lot of anglers used to carry them. Unfortunately, old Jackboot Johnny, forced the NT to change their laws. Being a Territory, they had no choice.

These days much more restricted, although PHs and guides can be licensed. Also overseas tourists can get a permit to use the PH's handgun "for the purposes of the safari". As a licenced handgun shooter, I can't get a permit to take my own handgun on an NT hunt. Which is why my hunting dollars will be spent in Africa and not the NT.