Pig dog hunting-using trained dogs to locate, bail, or hold feral pigs-is a traditional and popular method in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The region’s vast floodplains, wetlands, and remote bushland support a large and healthy feral pig population, attracting hunters from across Australia seeking adventure and trophy boars.
Legal Requirements & Regulations
- Permitted Activity:
Hunting feral pigs with dogs is legal in the NT, but strict regulations apply under the NT Animal Welfare Act and the National Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (Feral Livestock Animals). - Permits:
You must obtain the necessary permits to hunt on public land (e.g., Shoal Bay Reserve, Harrison Dam Reserve). Permits are limited and specific to these reserves. On private land, you need the landholder’s permission. - Animal Welfare:
- Dogs must be well-handled, trained not to chase livestock or wildlife, and used in a way that minimizes stress and harm to both pigs and dogs.
- Humane dispatch of pigs is required-unnecessary pain or suffering is prohibited and subject to heavy penalties.
- Biosecurity & Hygiene:
Hunters must follow best biosecurity practices to prevent the spread of disease, including using personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining good hygiene for themselves and their dogs, and cleaning vehicles and gear after hunts.
Gun Cleaning & Maintenance
The Hunting Experience
- The Dogs:
Well-trained pig dogs are essential. They are used to track, bail (hold at bay), or physically hold pigs until the hunter can dispatch the animal humanely. Dogs must be fit, obedient, and socialized to avoid aggression toward other animals or humans. - The Terrain:
The Top End’s floodplains, swamps, and woodlands are prime pig habitats. Conditions can be hot, humid, and physically demanding, requiring both hunters and dogs to be in good condition. - The Pigs:
The region is known for large boars, often exceeding 100 kg. Hunters may target trophy boars or participate in culling to help manage environmental damage caused by feral pigs.
Safety & Disease Risks
- Disease Transmission:
Feral pigs can carry diseases and parasites that threaten both animal and human health. Hunters should always wear PPE (gloves, boots) when handling or butchering pigs, and ensure dogs are up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite control. - Butchering:
Avoid using carcasses with abscesses or signs of disease. Proper cooking neutralizes most parasites, but some diseases do not show visible signs.
Ethics & Best Practice
- Humane Dispatch:
It is an ethical and legal requirement to ensure pigs are dispatched quickly and humanely to minimize suffering. - Dog Welfare:
Dogs must be cared for before, during, and after hunts-this includes hydration, rest, first aid, and protection from heat and injury.
Where to Hunt
- Public Land:
Shoal Bay and Harrison Dam reserves are the main public hunting areas for pigs, and a permit is required. - Private Land:
Many hunts are conducted with permission from landholders, especially in remote floodplain areas where pigs are abundant. - Guided Hunts:
Several outfitters offer guided pig dog hunts, providing local knowledge, access to prime locations, and experienced dogs.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Permitted with strict animal welfare and permit requirements |
| Dog Use | Allowed; dogs must be trained, well-handled, and not chase livestock |
| Main Locations | Shoal Bay, Harrison Dam (public reserves with permit), private land |
| Key Risks | Disease transmission, heat stress, animal injury |
| Ethics | Humane dispatch of pigs, dog welfare, biosecurity |
In summary:
Pig dog hunting is a long-standing tradition in the Top End, offering challenging and rewarding experiences for those who follow the law, prioritize animal welfare, and respect the land. Always hunt with the correct permits, use well-trained dogs, and adhere to strict ethical and biosecurity standards.
Australia’s Northern Territory is teeming with exotic birdlife, mammals, reptiles and marine life. The Finniss River and Bynoe Harbour included. The Finniss River coastal floodplain, about 70 km south-west of Darwin is dominated by seasonally inundated grassland and sedgeland with areas of paperbark open-forest. The Finniss River floodplain is also of international significance. This site is listed as a wetland of national significance in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.
The area supports very large numbers of waterbirds, including more than 1% of the world’s populations of Magpie Geese and Pied Herons, and high densities of many other waterbird species. It supports important breeding activity by Saltwater Crocodiles, Magpie Geese and other waterbirds, and three 
large waterbird breeding colonies are known to be located in paperbark swamps on the floodplain. Approximately five threatened birds and one threatened plant species also call this area home.
Masked Owl Tyto
Wallaby are also very abundant.
Floating grass mats of the billabongs of the Finniss and Reynolds Rivers not destroyed by buffalo, provide an important habitat refuge and source of food for a range of fauna in the dry season, especially crocodiles. There are more crocodiles in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in the world.
