Watagans pest control highlights missed opportunity for recreational hunters

Wild dogs and foxes are being targeted through trapping in Watagans National Park this month, while a separate ground-shooting operation will also be carried out for pest animal control. Yet licensed recreational hunters will remain on the sidelines.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a wild dog and fox trapping program from September 1-11, 2026, aimed at reducing predator impacts on wildlife, particularly threatened species, as well as impacts on neighbouring stock.

A separate NPWS ground-shooting operation for pest animal control will run from September 9-30, meaning the two programs will overlap for three days.

While the control work itself is welcome, the use of ground shooting also highlights a missed opportunity to make greater use of recreational hunters.

NSW already operates a regulated public land hunting system. Recreational hunting can take place on public land declared for hunting, provided the land has been assessed as suitable and opened to hunters. Eligible hunters require a Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence) and written permission to hunt.

That system already operates across suitable declared NSW State forests, where recreational hunting is recognised by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) as a mutually beneficial part of balancing community access, environmental management and other forest activities.

Yet that opportunity does not extend to Watagans National Park.

Current NPWS policy states that hunting within NPWS-managed lands is not permitted, except for Aboriginal people under relevant native title arrangements or statutory exemptions. Importantly, NPWS policy distinguishes hunting from pest species management programs and licensed culling or harvesting.

For hunters, the contrast is difficult to overlook. Pest animals require active management, NPWS is using ground shooting as one of its control methods and areas of the park will be closed while that work takes place, yet general recreational hunters cannot participate.

It raises a broader question about whether NSW could make greater use of suitably licensed recreational hunters as another practical tool in pest animal management where legislation, safety, conservation objectives and land-management requirements allow.

Licensed recreational hunting already operates under strict controls on declared public land elsewhere in NSW. Greater use of that model, where appropriate, could provide additional hunting opportunities while allowing willing, suitably licensed recreational hunters to contribute to pest animal management.

Trapping and shooting operations
During the trapping program, signs will be erected in affected areas and NPWS has asked park users to remain in the middle of trails and not interfere with traps.

Domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS-managed land. Visitors and neighbouring landholders should ensure dogs and other pets do not enter the park, with penalties applying for non-compliance.

The ground-shooting operation will take place between 5pm and 5am from September 9-30. Areas will be closed to all visitors while shooting is under way, with notification signs placed at relevant visitor entry points and closure points. Penalties apply for entering closed areas.

Visitors should check current Watagans National Park alerts immediately before travelling and observe all signs and closures.

Further information is available from the NPWS Central Coast Local Area Office on (02) 4972 9000.