Wallaby hunting

Wallabies are small to medium sized macropods native to Australia. They have also been introduced to several other locations, including New Zealand. With no natural predators, wallabies have thrived, particularly in the South Island, where their population has grown to the point of requiring management through regulated hunting. The Canterbury, Otago, and Southland regions of New Zealand, where these animals inhabit grasslands, bush-covered hills, and agricultural areas. Hunters often pursue Bennett’s wallabies, the most common species in New Zealand, which can be found in high numbers in certain regions. Wallaby hunting is also available in Australia, specifically in Tasmania. A lot depends, however, on the species - some species of wallaby are protected - and the territory. The hunting industry is not as developed as in New Zealand, and for a travelling hunter opportunities are not as easy to find.

Unlike the kangaroo, wallabies tend to inhabit denser brush areas, where they hide in thickets, and come out to feed at night, at dusk at dawn, or even at daytime depending on the species. Australian aborigines traditionally hunted wallabies by setting fire to the bush, and netting or killing the animals as they try to escape. European settlers adapted this method to their preferences, using dogs to flush the wallabies, and shooting them with shotguns. This is the preferred method for sport hunters in Australia. For crop patrol, hunters use rifles with spotlights or night vision devices at night. Alternatively, hunters can sit on vantage point, scope the area, and snipe the wallabies with long-distance rifle shots; this method is especially popular in New Zealand.