Wild Boar
Whilst most countries and islands within the south pacific region have varying densities of wild pig populations, Australia has by far the largest, estimated to be in the millions. Upon their introduction in about 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet, the wild pig adapted quickly to the harsh Australian environment and has since become a real curse to the Australian agricultural industry.
Found throughout much of Australia, from the wetter coastal environs to the arid inland, the largest numbers occur in the states of Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. While hunters regularly account for boars sporting impressive tusks and weighing 100 kilograms or more in weight, it is the Northern Territory where the largest wild boars are taken. For those seeking excitement, a wild boar hunt in Australia’s north is a must do, it is an experience like no other, the sheer numbers one encounters has to be seen to be believed.
Whilst New Zealand also has a relatively widespread population of wild pigs, numbers are much lower than that of Australia. However, this in no way detracts from the adrenalin rush that is experienced on a genuine kiwi-style pig hunt. With a fearless mindset and accompanied by a plucky dog, a hard-case kiwi hunter often armed with nothing more than a large knife or a trusty lever action rifle, track down and take on wild boar in some of the thickest bush imaginable. This style of hunting is definitely not for the faint hearted or for that matter a hunter who is somewhat out of shape, as just keeping up with these hardy characters is a mission in itself.