Feral pig management in far north Queensland is part conservation, part adventure. Three days on a cattle station near the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Invitation
The station manager had tried everything. Trapping, aerial culling, ground shooting. The pig numbers on the eastern block were still building and the damage to fencing, waterholes, and native ground cover was significant. He welcomed ground hunters willing to put in the work.
The Country
Gulf country in late August is dry, flat, and vast. The grass is golden and knee-height. Waterholes that were full in the wet are shrinking to muddy circles. Pigs concentrate at these waterholes — you can track them from the vehicle by following the pug marks and rooting damage from the previous night's feeding.
The Method
Night-time spotlight shooting from a vehicle is legal in Queensland with the station manager's permission and is by far the most effective ground-based method in open country. Morning and evening ambushes at waterholes produce results when the nocturnal pressure has pushed pigs to drink in the lower light periods.
Dogs were not used on this trip. Station dogs were available but the decision to use dogs for pig hunting requires significant experience with both the dogs and the terrain — not appropriate for a first visit.
Results
Eleven pigs over three days across the two active hunters. Significant dressing and disposal work. The station manager's gratitude was genuine. The country made it memorable regardless of the tally.
Prepare properly for Gulf heat. Browse our hot weather outdoor clothing — sun protection, ventilated fabrics, and boots for flat dry country.
