Local Success Story Shows the Power of Working Together
Published 9th June 2026 | Written by Capertee Valley Landcare
Feral pigs continue to cause significant damage across the Capertee Valley, impacting pastures, waterways, fences, native habitat and agricultural production. Through the new Pests & Preparedness Project, Capertee Valley Landcare, in partnership with Local Land Services, is helping landholders access practical tools and support to tackle the problem together.
One local landholder, Derek, has already seen impressive results using the Pig Brig® trapping system.
Rather than rushing to set the trap, Derek first spent time pre-feeding the pigs to make sure they were comfortable eating grain in the chosen location. Once the trap was installed, the pigs were cautious of the unfamiliar net structure.
“The hardest part is being patient,” Derek says. “You have to let the pigs get used to it and build their confidence.”
By continuing to feed inside the trap and monitoring activity with trail cameras, Derek was able to watch the pigs’ behaviour and identify when they were comfortable entering. Only then was the trap activated.
The first capture resulted in 10 pigs being removed from the landscape, including six boars and four heavily pregnant sows. Some pigs were still hesitant and escaped capture, but by repeating the process over the following weeks Derek was able to continue targeting the mob.
Over approximately 45 days, nearly 30 feral pigs were successfully culled.
“The cameras tell you a lot,” Derek explains. “You can see how the mob behaves and make better decisions about when to set the trap.”
Unlike poison baiting, this method relies on trapping and humane destruction of the pigs, reducing risks to non-target species. A firearms licence is beneficial, but one of the aims of the Valley Pig Control Network is to connect neighbours who can help each other with trapping, culling and disposal. Many hands really do make light work.
Coordinated action also means landholders can share information about pig movements, avoid duplicating effort and work together across property boundaries. Feral pigs don’t recognise fences, so successful control relies on communities working as one landscape rather than isolated properties.
The Pig Brig® trap used by Derek is owned by Local Land Services and is available for loan. Capertee Valley Landcare will also soon have a trap available through the project. Wildlife/Trail Cams are also available for loan. For landholders who aren’t on their properties full time, automatic feeders can be used to maintain a feeding program and achieve similar success.
