The creativity of junior Toad Busters is set to be a highlight of the 2025 Western Cape Feral Animal Control pig, cat and toad hunt this weekend. Photo: Facebook (Western Cape Feral Animal Control).
There will be some incredibly nervous pigs, cats and cane toads around western Cape York this weekend as competitors gear up to do their bit for feral animal control.
The 2025 Western Cape Feral Animal Control hunt will be held on 19-20 September, with group treasurer Mia Waite telling Cape York Weekly it would be another year of broken records.
“We have a record number again this year, with numbers nearing our 150 full competitor limit,” she said.
“We even had a number of tourists show interest and support – one lovely couple even gave a donation; although tourists can’t nominate, it’s great to chat to people with similar concerns about feral pig and cats.”
While senior competitors will tackle pigs and cats to do their bit for environmental management, all eyes will be on pint-sized hunters to see what creative avenues they embrace with the Toad Busters showdown.
Ms Waite said the success of the annual event demonstrated just how committed western Cape York residents were to ensure the impact of feral animals on the landscape and environment around them was minimised.
“The hunters are always so keen to be getting out in support of the cause,” she said.
“Hunting with mates is one thing, but doing it with so many other teams at the same time is a special moment to be a part of and to witness.
“The kids doing the Toad Busters are especially excited; who would have thought that doing something so gross could be so fun, whilst also helping the environment?”
The Albatross Bay Resort will be the only place to be on 20 September, with the Toad Busters presentations set to begin at 5pm, before the main event from about 6-6:30pm following the afternoon weigh-in.
“The weigh-in event is definitely something to come and enjoy … with the hard work and determination from all of the teams definitely shown off during this time,” Ms Waite said.
“Everyone is welcome; come on down from 1-4pm to be a part of the fun.”
