I grew up in pre-cyclone Darwin. My father would take us on trips into what is now Kakadu. We would set up our camp site on the side of the Alligator River amongst the bamboo stands (the dried leaves were just the best matresses imaginable) and four of us kids and the dog would head straight into the water.

At night we would hear the big crocs sliding off the bank on the other side and slapping into the river. One of my father's mates who ran a croc farm would arrive in his dingy and we would go spotlighting to hand catch baby crocs who could be seen by their eyes in the dark. We got pretty skilled at picking the size by how far apart the eyes were and within an hour we would have half a dozen 1-2 foot long beauties in the bottom of the boat.

Thinking back about it now has my mother in cold sweats but at the time my parents felt the bigger crocs were smart enough to let us alone. I would not put a toe in that river now.

My current position is that rather than culling there should be some crocodile education. This will involve shooting some within specific areas but as very territorial animals I know from firsthand experience they can be taught to respect human areas.

I also know that as more humans encroach into new areas there will continue to be habitat loss and ignorant southerners losing their lives.

As to legislating against ignorance I still see people wandering barefoot through thick grass during summer to get to a swimming hole near us. If the place where this unfortunate woman lost her life was signposted then I'm not sure a massive cull is the answer, in fact it is nanny state in the extreme.

Hi there PAUL1404...

I think it was honourable that government repatriated these 33 souls back home. Made up of 22 KIA in South Vietnam, the others included several diggers who were casualties from other conflicts, and a couple of dependents including a child as well from what I've heard ? Finally they've all come home !

To lawfully take any big game in Africa (depending on the Country) costs quite a few dollars. To take an Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo or Leopard, you have to obtain a permit for each animal. Which is usually obtained from the authorities on your behalf by your government licensed guide.

A safari costs pretty big bucks in every way Paul. Countries like Botswana and South Africa ensure safari's are properly conducted and the guides experienced and licensed. Other Nations situated on the African continent, I'm not so sure, due to the rank corruption and economic considerations.

I would think our Mr BORSAK is not short of a dollar - to purchase a decent double rifle will run you well into $14k+, as every round you put through it is expensive, whether you reload or not. As I mentioned to you earlier, I thoroughly enjoy the engineering component of fine F/A's particular the heavier, European marques made famous down through the years.

Though I've been to South Africa and travelled through several game areas, all I shot with, was a half decent SLR Camera, loaded with 35mm slides. Somehow, I don't believe I'd particularly enjoy speaking with Mr BORSAK, all though his rifle(s) would be of remarkable interest to me ?

Paul1405 is back in his familiar 'Watermelon' Greens territory, minding someone else's business and trying to score tawdry political points while his target, a political opponent of course, is doing something that is perfectly legal and encouraged by the governments that need foreign exchange to provide for their citizens and to support wildlife reserves.

http://thehill.com/opinion/katie-pavlich/250746-katie-pavlich-in-defense-of-trophy-hunting

The Greens are not in a position to be the moral guardian of anyone. They should be attending to their own backyard. The Greens leader takes advantage of young foreign workers.

Then there is the arrogant stupidity of Sarah Hanson-Young who continually goes out of her way to prove she is not deserving of her large remuneration as a federal Senator.

"How wrong can one politician be?"
http://www.2gb.com/audioplayer/180786

The Greens should be attending to their own backyard rather than forever leaning over the fence, spreading their scurrilous gossip.

Returning to the subject, the increasing frequency of saltwater crocodile attack, their abundance and appearance in waters as far south as Hervey Bay in Queensland, prove that routine culling is necessary. That can be done in a very controlled way through highly profitable dangerous animal hunting.

Boutique hunting tours have no impact on the environment and could be a money-making boon to small business and townships in the North where employment opportunities are needed and welcomed.

It is expected and ridiculous that elements such as the Greens would be playing politics where there is a good prospect of providing employment and interest for indigenous communities. Accepting of course that it should all be done by private investment, which is available. All government has to do is get out of the way and count the $$ from increased tax revenue and reduced reliance of local populations on welfare handouts.

so exactly what is the gain in 'hunting the croc that did it' .. some catholic notion of punishing the croc for a misdeed ? the croc would not know the difference between human and other food in its natural environment

traveloz,

The point of killing crocs and sharks that kill people is not for retribution, but because animals have the ability to learn, and once they kill a human the chance that they try again is greatly increased. Having a opportunistic killer in the water, is undesirable, leading to crocs being moved, but one that deliberately targets people is far too dangerous.

Last week we saw 3 people killed by sharks and a croc. At what point do we look after people?

traveloz,

How otherwise would you propose that police obtain the woman's remains?