A little story about the North of Australia

Hayden the Bull Catcher

This is a picture of Hayen sitting in what they call a "bull catcher," here on Sturt Downs. In the not so distant past a ute (small pick-up) was converted to a bull catcher by taking the doors and usually cab of the ute off and welding a heavy duty bumper to the front and large pieces of steel to the side of the vehicle. These bull catchers were then driven out into the bush and wild bulls were caught. The ute was driven up close to the bull, the bulls tail was grabbed and the animal was thrown to the ground. The legs were then strapped with leather straps and the animal was confined to the ground. A truck later came out and picked up the animals. This practice was used due to the open areas here in the Northern Territory. Few developments or fences existed until the 70's and 80's. Many young men made large amounts of money bull catching. It is a facinating and key part of the Territory's history.