Stalking and hunting the feral pig
In Australian Hunter edition 61, I discussed the behaviour of feral pigs. Let’s now apply this knowledge to stalking and hunting them.
Habitat
Throughout their range, pigs show preferences for riparian and wetland habitats. These are the first zones to search, especially border areas where one territory adjoins another. Pigs readily adjust to habitat changes caused by fire, logging and natural catastrophes, except those resulting in loss of basic food resources. Flooding and heavy snowfalls cause them to move up, down or sideways to find more suitable ground. In arid or thickly vegetated country, remember that pigs need food, water, shelter and breeding opportunities. Pigs can appear anywhere these parameters are met.
Sign
Rooting, beds, droppings or prints provide the first indication of the presence of pigs. Don’t be too judgmental; study droppings for indications on what they have been feeding on. Hunting the Warrego River on one occasion produced no sign apart from one fresh dropping, still warm and steaming. I had disturbed a pig that promptly exited the scene. As the light disappeared, walking back into a slight breeze, a pig appeared alongside the channel. Careful stalking resulted in a 100kg boar. I had seen virtually no sign, but there he was, sprawled on the black soil flood plain. Stay alert in the face of disappointment - pigs can appear when least expected.
In dry times it is
