Hunters release hundreds of pigs, landowner claims

19th November 2008

by Andr? Hueber

Hunters releasing pigs into the wild are killing kiwi and destroying native bush, a Kaitaia landowner says.

Terry Higginson, a volunteer trapper for the Kiwi Foundation, said it was no secret that pig hunters around Kaitaia bred pigs to release for their own sport.

"It's very widespread and a big percentage of hunters do it."

Mr Higginson said up to 200 pigs were deliberately released around Herekino before a pig hunting contest in September, and had heard hunters "skiting about their exploits."

He had seen pigs off-loaded on to private and DOC land in the Herekino forest.

Mr Higginson said hunters saw him as a threat because of his work controlling possums and rats - and because he wanted pigs eradicated.

"They believe we're interfering with their sport. They want pig numbers preserved. I got whacked around the ears by a pig hunter who told me it's his way of life and no bastard is going to stop him."

Mr Higginson said one hunter had threatened to burn down his home; another said he'd use his head for target practice.

While pigs caused erosion by rooting and ate forest seedlings, the real threat to kiwi was from pig dogs.

As kiwi had no rib cage, all it took was one dog bite to the chest and they were dead.

Mr Higginson said if hunters asked for permission and their dogs had been through aversion training - in which they are taught to leave kiwi alone - he would "tolerate" them on his land.

Since pigs have been on his land over winter Mr Higginson said his kiwi count had been down by 80 per cent.

He said DOC would like to do more but turned a blind eye on conservation land, because without pig hunters there would be no pig control.

Without more government funding for pig control, doing anything about the problem was "like farting at thunder".

Herekino pig hunt organiser Scott Palmer said he had not heard about pigs being released for the contest, but wouldn't say it never happened.

"From time to time hunters look after their sport by releasing one two sows to freshen the gene pool. They'd never release them on private property. It's about keeping a balance between pest control, finding food and recreation."

He said hunting kept people off the streets and gave them a sense of purpose.

"I don't see the problem in releasing pigs in commercial pine forests. Pigs have no natural predators in New Zealand and without hunters they'd be out of control."

Kaitaia spokesperson Carolyn Smith said DOC had no hard evidence of pig releases on to conservation areas.

If someone was caught DOC would take it seriously because pigs could be very destructive.

She said DOC supported responsible pig hunting and issued permits for hunting in conservation areas.

Hunters were also encouraged put their dogs through kiwi aversion training, which DOC offered free of charge in Whangarei and the Far North.