Feral Pig hunting in Australia
Sus scrofa
Australia's number one pest animal and most popular hunt
Feral pigs number in the millions across northern and inland Australia and cause serious agricultural and environmental damage every year: rooted-up pasture, flattened crops, fouled water points and predation on lambs. Landholders actively want ethical pig hunters on their country, which makes pigs the natural centrepiece of a property access marketplace.
Pig hunting is year round, action-rich and welcoming to new hunters. From the floodplains of the Top End through Queensland's brigalow and the western river systems of NSW, a well-watered property with crops or cattle almost always carries pigs, and a weekend rarely passes without opportunities.
Beyond the sport, pig hunting on booked properties is genuine pest control. Every pig taken saves pasture and crops, protects lambing paddocks and ground-nesting wildlife, and strengthens the relationship between hunters and the landholders who need the work done.
Where to hunt pigs
Queensland, western and northern NSW, the NT Top End, Cape York and northern rangelands. Water points, crops and river systems concentrate pigs everywhere they occur.
When to go
Year round. Pigs are declared pests in every state with no closed season and no bag limit. The northern dry season from May to October concentrates pigs on shrinking water, while summer crops pull big mobs onto farmland in the south.
Methods & gear
Walking up creek systems and swamp margins, glassing crop edges at dusk, ambushing water points in the dry, and spotlighting or hunting with dogs where the individual landholder permits it. Calibres from .223 up are used; heavier calibres suit big boars in thick cover.
Best regions for pigs
Western Plains NSW NSW
Big sky rangeland goats and pigs west of the Divide
Central Queensland QLD
Brigalow pigs, expanding red deer and endless station country
Charters Towers & North Queensland QLD
Australia's chital heartland on the great cattle stations
NT Top End NT
Buffalo on the floodplains, Australia's dangerous game
Riverina NSW
Red gum river country for pigs, foxes and evening rabbits
Cape York QLD
Frontier pig hunting on the wild rivers of the far north
Feral Pig hunting: common questions
Do I need a licence to hunt feral pigs in Australia?
No hunting licence is required to hunt feral pigs on private land in any Australian state or territory. You need the landholder's permission, which your booking provides in writing, and a current firearms licence for whatever firearm you carry.
What is the best time of year for pig hunting?
Pigs are hunted year round, but the northern dry season from May to October is prime in Queensland and the NT because pigs concentrate on shrinking water. In southern cropping country, summer grain crops draw mobs onto farmland, and cool winter days suit walked-up hunting everywhere.
Can I bring dogs for pig hunting?
Only where the individual landholder allows it, and rules vary property by property. Many cattle stations prohibit dogs entirely, while some listings welcome experienced dog teams. Check the property rules on each listing or message the host before booking.
Why do farmers want pig hunters on their land?
Feral pigs cost Australian agriculture hundreds of millions of dollars a year in damaged crops, pasture, fences and water points, and they prey on lambs and spread disease. Ethical hunters provide free, ongoing control pressure, which is why pig properties list eagerly on this marketplace.
Properties with pigs
No listed properties for pigs yet
Landholders with pigs on their country can list free and keep 85% of every booking.
List a property