Government estimates vary, but suggest there could be up to 23 million pigs in Australia.
The Razorbacks here are descended from the domestic pigs that 18th century European explorers such as Capt. James Cook released as a living larder for future expeditions.
They have also grown bigger and brawnier than their British ancestors. Some razorbacks weigh more than 300 pounds, and the males are capable of goring a human with their formidable tusks.
The pigs are bad news for Australia. They prey on newborn lambs; damage fences; reduce yields of cereal grain, sugar cane, fruit, and vegetable crops; and spread disease.
Pig hunting has been popular with rural Australians for decades. Amateur pig hunters use high-powered rifles, hunting dogs, and "pig rigs" – specially equipped trucks – and call themselves "grunter hunters."
The sport even has its own magazines, like "Bacon Busters."
Source:Valley Game
Feral pig distribution in Australia
Darker colours are areas of higher population density. (Source: BRS)
Wild boar is more flavoursome than farmed pork and cuts range from tender loin and saddle and leg to suckling pig (for use on the spit).
Oven-Barbecued Razorback
5 lb Razorback (wild boar)
2 qts. Water
3 bouillon cubes
2 cans chicken broth
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 bottle commercial barbecue sauce
Preheat over to 300º. Place meat in a roasting pan with all the ingredients except barbecue sauce. Cook 4 hours, basting often. Remove roast and strain liquid, saving 1 cup. Return roast to pan and top with barbecue sauce. Pour 1 cup of strained liquid around roast in pan. Reduce oven temperature to 250º and cook for 1 hour.
Oven-roasted potatoes or mashed potatoe will go nice with this dish.
Razorback Chops in Beer
Dredge razorback chops in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper
Brown dredged wild boar chops in 2 tbsp. of hot oil
Drain grease, saving brown bits. Mix brown bits, 1 bottle beer, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tsp chopped/crushed garlic, 1 cup beef broth; mix & simmer for 15 minutes
Place chops in baking pan, pour sauce over chops.; cover pan and place in oven at 300degrees F, bake for 45 minutes.
Yum Yum!!
