A Northern Territory goose hunter has survived a crocodile attack after wrestling the animal and poking it in the eyes.

The 20-year-old man waded into the water to recover a goose he had shot when the crocodile – estimated to be about two metres long – launched out of the water and latched onto his right arm.

The attack happened yesterday evening near the remote community of Peppimenarti, about 320 kilometres south-west of Darwin.

“It tried to pull him underwater,” Police Duty Superintendent Gary Smith said.

“Apparently he wrestled the crocodile and was able to shake it off by poking it in the eyes.

“He waded back to shore and was given first aid and taken back to the local clinic out there.”

Duty Superintendent Smith said the man was driven by quad bike back to the nearby Wudaduk Outstation where he had a “couple” of beers to “numb the pain”.

“I believe he had some skin torn on his right forearm that may require a skin graft,” he said.

“There were puncture wounds up his arm and scratches on his back. He was in good spirits evidently.”

“He is a very lucky chap by all accounts.”

The man will be flown to Darwin today for further medical attention.