In the Northern Territory of the Australian Outback lies 2,000 miles of merciless terrain known as the Top End. Inhabited for over 40,000 years by Aboriginals, this is one of the planet’s last frontiers. After Australia was settled by the English as a penal outpost in 1788, most of its colonists stayed near the big cities. It wasn’t until the 19th century that bushrangers pushed their way into the Outback. There, they came into contact with the saltwater crocodile.
The largest reptiles on Earth, these apex predators can reach 21 feet long and weigh in at over 2,000 pounds. Once hunted to near-extinction, the saltwater crocodile is now a protected species, and its numbers have exploded with deadly consequences. As a result, the Australian government issues permits that allow elite hunters to remove some of the crocs.
Australia’s dry season is one of the busiest times of the year for these men. Over the course of 12 weeks, waterways dry up and crocs are on the move, coming into close contact with humans and livestock. Using hand-thrown harpoons, crocodile hunters battle these lethal beasts to protect their communities. In a place where crocs can outnumber humans three to one, only the toughest choose this way of life.