Pig hunting is a very popular activity around the country, most of us love a nice roast poaka. But a big part of the draw is the excitement of the hunt. Pig hunting will test your scouting, your fitness, your dogs and finally your rifle and knife skills. Be ready.
Pig hunters generally have a good safety record right up until a pig has been ‘bailed’ or caught by their dogs. Nearly all pig hunting fatalities occurred as a result of a hunter trying to reach their dogs. Elevated adrenaline and the urgency to reach their dogs / the pig seems to greatly increase the rate of injury, getting lost and fatality. There are times where pig hunters are taking additional risks that they normally wouldn’t consider doing, or may have managed differently in hindsight.
A key learning from our research is that pig hunters should be particularly aware of their emotional response and adrenaline levels when they catch a pig. It’s wise to remember that the ‘bailed pig’ scenario is a high octane, high-risk arena often in close quarters. Be careful of your knife technique. We also see a lot of injuries from both the pig as well as the dogs, everyone is keyed up! Any endeavour to calmly make logical level-headed decisions is likely to dramatically reduce the likelihood of a serious incident.
Learn about key risks to Pig Hunters in NZ
Choose your hunting area
Choose a hunting trip that suits the skills and fitness of everyone in your group. A local hunt or backcountry adventure will all have their own risks. Carefully consider what to expect out there.
Start looking at maps and websites to gain insight into what your trip will include.
The planning you do from home will make all the difference for when you are in the bush. If you are going solo, take items to help you contact help if something goes wrong. If you are going as a group, get everyone together and make sure you all agree on the plan.
Heading for a hunt into the New Zealand's bush takes skills, even if it is a short day hunt on a local property.
What you take with you will make all the difference if something were to go wrong such as getting lost, delayed or injured.
pdfBasic Gear List for outdoorsPDF – 203 KB
or you can find more on our Supplies section.
Help yourself go further and make it home safe by staying alert in the bush.
Continue your preparation with our online resources, there is still plenty to learn to ensure for a safe and enjoyable hunt.