The proposal to implement bounties for the culling of feral animals in New South Wales has sparked significant debate among the community, with some groups condemning it as a “dirty deal.” Premier Chris Minns recently suggested this initiative as a measure to address the growing issue of invasive species like pigs, cats, dogs, and rabbits, which inflict considerable financial damage on farmers and threaten local ecosystems.
Xavier Martin, president of the NSW Farmers Association, expressed support for Minns’ suggestion, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat feral animal populations. He highlighted that feral pigs alone result in millions of dollars of damage annually through destruction of land and property. Martin noted the anticipated costs of these pests are projected to exceed $489 million in the coming year, warranting a collaborative approach including possible bounties to mitigate the problem. He acknowledged the need for strict regulations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of any bounty scheme.
In contrast, the Invasive Species Council has strongly opposed the bounty approach. Its CEO, Jack Gough, labelled the proposal a mere political strategy for gaining support from the Shooters Party and not a genuine attempt at effective feral animal management. Gough criticised the concept of “bounty hunters,” arguing that they inefficiently address the feral animal crisis and waste taxpayer money. He pointed out that successful control of feral populations requires systematic and professional management rather than recreational hunting, which bounties encourage.
Research suggests bounty programs yield low returns, often resulting in less than 10% of targeted species being removed. Furthermore, such programs may lead hunters to focus on younger animals, leaving mature and breeding individuals untouched. Gough cautioned that redirecting funds from established wildlife management strategies—like aerial shooting and trapping—towards subsidising recreational hunting could jeopardise effective population control.
The community remains split over how best to tackle the feral animal problem, with opinions ranging from support for innovative incentive-based approaches to calls for more structured and scientifically-backed management efforts. As the discussion continues, the ramifications of the government’s strategies on both agricultural sustainability and ecological health will be closely watched.