Aerial Pig Cull | Real Conservation from the Sky #AerialCull #FeralPigControl #HelicopterShooting

This episode of Edge of the Outback takes us deep into the NT’s floodplains, where we remove 800 feral pigs in just 4 hours of flight time. Filmed across the Tipperary Group of Stations, it showcases how professional helicopter pest control protects fragile wetlands, native wildlife, and northern Australia’s ecosystems from widespread feral pig damage. Flying in an R44 helicopter across the vast floodplains of the Tipperary Group of Stations, this operation was carried out under professional contract as part of a targeted ecological management program. These wetlands are among Australia’s most unique environments — and feral pigs cause catastrophic damage to fragile ecosystems, native wildlife, and cattle pastures alike. You’ll see that very clearly in the footage. A national review has long put Australia’s feral pig population in the millions — historically around 13.5 million, with estimates ranging up to 23.5 million. A large share of that population is concentrated in the north’s wetlands and floodplains, and new national mapping (2024) confirms persistently high abundance across the NT’s river systems and coastal plains. These animals dig and churn the soil, foul waterways, destroy turtle and bird nests, and compete with native wildlife and cattle for feed. Beyond physical damage, feral pigs pose major biosecurity risks, acting as carriers of brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever, and potential exotics like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease. Large-scale control programs like this one are vital for protecting biodiversity, agriculture, and Australia’s northern ecosystems. In these environments, the floodplains are completely inaccessible except by helicopter — the mud, deep water, and dense crocodile populations (estimated at over 100,000 in the NT) make ground operations impossible. Aerial control is the only safe, humane, and efficient way to manage feral pig numbers at scale in this terrain. This isn’t hunting for sport — it’s precision pest control, conducted under strict regulation and environmental oversight. Every round fired from the air helps protect biodiversity, reduce erosion, and give the ecosystem a chance to recover. Join Bucket, Dave, and myself in the sky for a rare look at real field-based pest management in Australia’s north. 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Smash that like button — it really supports the channel. Got questions or an adrenaline rush of your own? Drop a comment below or share your wildest hunting story. I love hearing from all of you. And if you’re new here, subscribe for more real-deal hunting and pest-control content — there’s plenty more coming. A huge shoutout to the crew at the Tipperary Group of Stations. Without their commitment to perform this ecological work, this project wouldn’t have even got off the ground (pun intended). Tie that in with my great mate Bucket, and a trip was hatched after months of planning. Thanks again for the hospitality — I can’t wait to get back out there! All shooting took place on private land in the NT, targeting only invasive feral animals. This was a professional aerial pest-control operation — not recreational hunting. The goal: to stem ecological destruction caused by feral pigs. Thanks for watching and joining me on this wild ride in the Outback. 🔔 Hit the bell icon so you don’t miss the next adventure. Until next time — stay safe, and happy hunting. Gear Discounts & Partners: If getting into the action with the people I did in the Northern Territory is of interest, hit up the Territory Lodge Safaris and see what they can fit in: https://www.territorylodgesafaris.com.au/ Thermal/Night Vision/Anything else (Australia): Chat to Ben at Hunt the Night – top gear and pricing. Olight: Use code EO10 for 10% off – https://www.olightstore.com.au/s/UKE748 On Track Meals: Use code EDGEOFOUTBACK for 10% off – https://ontrackmeals.com/products/starter-pack-1?bg_ref=rLt72WqBTY NT aerial pig control, helicopter pig cull, aerial culling Australia, feral pig helicopter control, pest control Northern Territory, feral hog shooting Australia, R44 helicopter culling, Tipperary Group Stations, professional pest management, ecological restoration Australia, outback conservation, feral animal eradication, Australian hunting, Edge of the Outback, aerial shooting operation, real pest control, Australian wetlands, feral pig damage, conservation helicopter work, wildlife management Australia, invasive species control