Field guide
Feral pig
Feral pigs are widespread across both islands and cause serious damage to pasture, crops, native forest and ground-nesting birds. They are one of the animals farmers most often want removed.
Sus scrofa
Where you’ll find them
Rooting, wallows and churned ground are the usual sign. Pigs favour gullies, scrub and bush margins, and move onto pasture at night. Often hunted with dogs, which makes 1080 caution periods especially important.
Dogs and 1080
This is the highest-risk species for dog owners. Pig hunting is dog-intensive and pigs scavenge carcasses in treated areas. Always check the 1080 map and observe the full caution period.
Check 1080 operationsBefore you go
Seasons, permits, firearms rules and access conditions differ by region and by land status, and they change. We don’t publish them — check with the authority for the land you’re on: DOC for public conservation land, your regional council for pest rules, and the landowner for private land.