Coordinated Feral Pig Control — Neighbouring Cattle Properties, Somerset Region

Background

Two neighbouring beef cattle operations in the Somerset region — combined approximately 580 acres — had each attempted individual feral pig control programs over several seasons with limited lasting results. After each individual operation, pig numbers recovered quickly, driven by immigration from the adjacent state forest and from the neighbouring property where no simultaneous control was occurring.

The two landholders spoke at a local grazing group meeting and agreed to try a coordinated simultaneous operation across both properties.

Operation

A 3-night coordinated operation was scheduled across both properties, with coverage planned to be simultaneous — both properties covered on the same nights in the same timeframe. Night 1 and Night 2 focused on each property’s primary activity areas; Night 3 focused on the shared boundary and the creek system running between the two properties.

Results

73 pigs were taken over the 3 nights. The shared boundary creek system accounted for a significant proportion of the total cull, confirming it as the primary movement corridor between the two properties and the adjacent state forest.

Both landholders reported significantly reduced pig activity in the weeks following the operation. The interval before they observed meaningful recolonisation was approximately 4 months — compared to 6–8 weeks after their previous individual operations.

Deliverable

Individual GPS reports were delivered to each landholder covering their respective property. Each report included GPS cull points, a property activity map, night-by-night cull totals, population density estimates and a recommendation for a coordinated follow-up program on a 6-month basis. Both reports were formatted for GBO records.

The two properties have since continued with a coordinated 6-monthly program.