NSW Department of Primary Industries

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Be a responsible pig dogger

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Hunt safe, hunt legal

There are many opportunities for legal pig hunting in NSW. The Hunt safe, hunt legal – be a responsible pig dogger program raises awareness of the responsibilities of pig doggers.

Pig hunting with dogs is a popular recreational and commercial activity in NSW. Responsible pig doggers are ethical, trustworthy hunters who actively promote safe and legal pig hunting with dogs.

However, some pig doggers choose to do the wrong thing by hunting illegally. Illegal hunting can include hunting without permission on private or public land, hunting without a licence on public land or breaching hunting and animal cruelty regulations.

Two white pig dogs are restrained on the back of a ute.

Don't dog it - protect your reputation (and your equipment) with a range of tools to help you hunt legal on public and private land in NSW:

Contact customer service to get your kit today: game.licensing@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 02 6363 7650.

Why risk it?

Illegal pig dogging is a crime with many negative impacts. Taking the time before you hunt to get permission from the landowner or manager and getting a licence for public land is a small inconvenience when compared with the consequences of being caught.

Penalties include:

  • expensive on-the-spot fines
  • seizure of your hunting dogs
  • seizure and forfeiture of your motor vehicle
  • seizure and forfeiture of your hunting equipment including firearms, knives, tracking collars and GPS units
  • suspension or cancellation of hunting licences
  • court action, including substantial fines and custodial sentences.

How to hunt legal

Private property

Always have permission to hunt. While you do not need a licence to hunt pigs on private land, the owner’s express authority for you to hunt and use dogs on their land is essential.

No permission = no hunting

A handy property log is available in the Hunt safe, hunt legal – be a responsible pig dogger guide to help you keep track of your hunting properties. Use the form to show Police and DPI Inspectors that you have permission to hunt if stopped for a compliance check.

Public land

There are 170 NSW State forests where you can hunt pigs with dogs during the day – all you need is a Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence) and written permission issued by DPI.

19 of these State forests allow you to also hunt pigs with dogs at night-time.

A map of NSW with major town centres, marked with areas of legal day and night time pig dog hunting.

6 basics of being a responsible pig dogger

  1. Always get permission to hunt before hunting.
  2. Set a good example to others and promote ethical, safe and legal pig dogging.
  3. Be mindful of the disease risks to you, your family and your dogs when pig dogging and always practice good hygiene.
  4. Before hunting ensure your dogs are trained for obedience and trained not to chase stock and wildlife.
  5. Ensure that pigs are dispatched quickly and not subjected to unnecessary pain.
  6. Join a DPI Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO) that promotes safe, ethical and legal pig dogging such as the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA).

Managing disease

Feral pigs carry many diseases which may transfer to humans and dogs. Brucellosis and Q fever are debilitating diseases. Get your copy of the Hunt safe, hunt legal – be a responsible pig dogger guide for information about these diseases and tips for keeping you, your family and your dogs healthy.

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au