Abbey Rogers loves pig hunting with her father Al and their dogs.
For 15-year-old Abbey Rogers, there’s nothing she likes more than going pig hunting with her dad, something she has been doing since before she could walk.
“I’ve been hunting for as long as I can remember – my favourite part is watching the dogs enjoy their achievements,” she said.
“I’ve been in every single Cooktown Hog Hunt since I was born!”
But as most keen hunters are getting prepped for this weekend’s annual Cooktown Hotel Hog Hunt, Abbey has a more important role to play, as right-hand woman to organiser Denicka Danaher.
“She’s great, she helps out with everything,” Ms Danaher said.
“She takes photos and shadows me the whole weekend, she’s my awesome sidekick.”
Abbey said her favourite part of pig hunting is watching her dogs enjoying themselves.
Abbey said she didn’t have any tips for other hunters, apart from good luck.
“My father and I travel all across the Cape to the best spots, but everyone hunts different, so I don’t have any tips – all I can say is good luck to everyone this weekend,” she said.
Ms Danaher said this year’s hunt was tipped to be another massive event, with nominations expected to exceed last year’s 367 entrants.
“We have over $40,000 in cash and prizes, it’s been absolutely hectic,” she said.
“This year is tipped to be huge, we are absolutely pumped, and we’re hoping to top the 367 entries we had last year.”
Nominations are from 8am to 8pm this Friday 29 September, and must be made in person at the Cooktown Hotel, known locally as the Top Pub.
Ms Danaher said every individual nominee received a Hog Hunt shirt, sticker and entry into the major prizes, including a CF Moto 625 quad bike valued at more than $12,000.
The weigh in is on Sunday 1 October at the Cooktown Hotel from 10am to 2pm.
For more information, message FrogDogs Australia on Facebook or Instagram or phone the Cooktown Hotel on 4069 5308.
