Ipa Feral Pig Control Manual - Department of Primary Industries ...

Feral pig control
A practical guide to pig control in Queensland
Portable box trap
The portable box trap is readily transportable and is more suitable for small numbers of
pigs. The frame can be built of timber or steel, and enclosed with mesh or wire netting.
The trap is constructed to fit on the back of a 4WD tray. Steel posts at the corners will
prevent pigs lifting the trap. Bars are placed on top to prevent pigs from jumping out.
The target-specific gate design allows only pigs to close the door via a trip bar, which is
designed to release when lifted. A pig will lift the bar with its back when it walks under
it, which will release the spring-loaded gate. Non-target species will generally stand on
or jump over the trip bar. The bar should be made of wood at least 10 cm in diameter or
equivalent, and be set approximately 30 cm off the ground. The weight of the wood will
ensure only pigs are able to lift the bar.
This trap has been designed as an efficient and environmentally acceptable method
for the control of feral pigs, particularly on smaller properties. The traps are easily
relocated so that seasonal movement and availability of food can be fully exploited,
with a minimal outlay for materials. If used correctly, this trap is both humane to
captured pigs and unlikely to capture non-target species.
Portable box trap incorporating a pig-specific gate trip mechanism
In order to catch as many pigs as possible using a box trap, bait material should
be spread around the trap with a small amount under or behind the lifting bar trip
mechanism. This allows time for an entire group to enter the trap before a pig will
attempt to eat the bait under the bar, thus catching the entire group.