Good news for Aussie resident hunters. No export permits but maybe that will follow in the next year or few years.

***

Croc hunting given green light
By GREG McLEAN
27jul06
CROCODILE safari hunting will be allowed in the Northern Territory, it was revealed yesterday.

Environment Minister Marion Scrymgour confirmed yesterday the Territory Government would grant safari hunting permits on a ``case-by-case'' basis.

``If someone approaches the Government with a proposal for the safari hunting of crocodiles it would be considered on its merits,'' spokeswoman Maria Billias said.

Under existing guidelines up to 600 large saltwater crocodiles a year may be culled, of which 25 are already earmarked for safari hunters willing to pay big dollars for the prized trophies.

While the Federal Government effectively banned international hunters from joining safaris in the Territory last year by blocking the export of the stuffed reptiles, cashed-up Australians can still pull the trigger with a permit.

Yesterday's announcement was welcomed by Territory taxidermist Mick Pitman, who is negotiating with the Northern Land Council to train Aborigines living in remote communities to act as guides.

``It's an industry going begging,'' he said.

``Now it's a matter for those who support safari hunting to combine our ideas and work out the best way to do it.''

Federal member for Solomon Dave Tollner said the Northern Territory Government would have a strong argument for the Commonwealth to overturn its decision to ban the export of trophy crocodiles if it succeeded with a three-year trial of the industry supported by wealthy Australian game hunters.

``I'd eat my hat if there weren't 25 people in Australia willing to part with big dollars to come to the Territory to hunt a big trophy crocodile,'' he said.

``You could start tomorrow.''

Field and Game Australia president Rod Drew said Australian trophy hunters would jump at the opportunity to shoot big crocs in the Territory.

``It's a win-win situation for everybody, especially the indigenous communities that can establish an income out of it,'' he said.

``Crocodiles are absolutely an exotic creature and people who are serious about their hunting would love the opportunity to take home a trophy, so there's no doubting the demand - even if you exclude people from overseas.''

http://www.ntnews.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19925627%255E13569,00.html