Hunters reduce feral numbers and boost economy, according to APDHA

According to a recently released study by the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA), recreational hunters could be removing more than 11,000 feral pigs weekly from the agricultural and natural environment across NSW.

The 'Keeping Count' report suggested as many as 600,000 pigs annually are killed in NSW by pig hunters. Hunters fall into two loose categories – licenced shooters, who use firearms to target pest species, and doggers, who use trained pig dogs to locate and hold the feral pests.

Ivanhoe hunting enthusiast Josh Robertson is a 20-year veteran, and says the hobby not only helps reduce the devastating effects of feral pigs, but boosts the economies of the small towns visited by hunters.

“I have three dogs,” he told The Grazier. “I enjoy pigging because it’s a chance to get out into the bush and give the dogs a run, but it also helps farmers.

“It protects our bush.”

Josh has turned his hobby into an economic boost for the township of Ivanhoe, developing the town’s pig hunting competition into a well patronised June long weekend event. Despite ongoing COVID related delays, the 2022 competition attracted 31 teams, and netted 119 pigs.

The event donates much needed funds for local charities, but has also partnered with the Black Dog Ride, to raise both funds for the organisation and awareness around mental health.

“The competition gets rid of a heap of pigs, but we also estimate it brings about $60,000 to local business over that weekend too,” Mr Robertson said.

Sheep and goat farmer Allen Carmichael, from Rosehill Station at Ivanhoe, can’t praise Josh’s efforts enough.

“He’s done a good job with that competition.

“The amount of pigs and feral cats that come into the weigh-in is incredible, and it’s great for the town. They’re good blokes and everyone buys fuel at Wendy’s service station and beer at the pub.

“It helps keep the numbers down. We don’t know what’s going to happen after all this water – maybe Josh needs more than one comp a year!”

Young hunter Hugh Duncan splits his time between Hay and Ivanhoe as he completes his HSC, but says he has been pigging since childhood.

“I love getting out with the dogs in the scrub and all the water at the moment,” he said.

“And just knowing that by reducing the number of pigs, not only livestock but native animals will have a better chance of thriving in their environment.”

Hugh Duncan is doing his bit to keep feral pig numbers down.