Fox bait distribution for Eyre Peninsula landholders

In a typical ‘farm forest’ environment such as the Eyre Peninsula, it’s estimated there can be between 4-8 foxes per 100 hectares.

Landholders are encouraged to collect baits and talk to their local landscape officers about control strategies for this pest animal which can cause considerable damage to livestock and native wildlife.

Ceduna Landscape Officer Andrew Sleep explains that the distribution days tie in with the approach of lambing across Eyre Peninsula as well as when food sources can be low and juvenile foxes are moving out of dens.

“It’s around late summer and early autumn that young foxes start leave their dens and disperse to find a new territory, so it’s an optimal time to bait as they can be naïve and more likely to take baits,” Mr Sleep says.

“We ask land managers to consider baiting for a variety of reasons including a reduction in predation on livestock during lambing, as a good neighbour policy, or to protect native wildlife such as birds and reptiles on their property.

“Each year we hold fox bait distribution days across the Eyre Peninsula because a community coordinated approach to fox baiting is the most effective and has the best economic and environmental outcomes.

“All land managers can play a part in managing pests like foxes so we encourage locals to come along to their nearest fox bait distribution day and talk to us about using the baits as part of an integrated control strategy.

“Baiting is one way for landholders to play an important role in managing the damage caused to livestock by foxes, as well as fulfilling their obligation to control foxes which is part of the Landscape South Australia Act.”

The 1080 meat baits are prepared by landscape board staff with eligible landholders able to purchase them for fox control for $1.50 per bait as per the statewide Landscape SA Pest Control Pricing Policy. At distribution days, a 20% discount applies, as well as when groups of three or more adjoining landholders purchase baits as part of a coordinated baiting program at other times throughout the year.

Land managers are reminded to bring along a bucket with a sealable lid when collecting baits or they are available to purchase for $12. The baits are frozen semi dried meat which is best kept frozen until use. Land managers will also be required to provide the section numbers for the properties they intend to bait.

If a landholder is intending to send a third party to collect their baits, please contact us in advance so that the correct paperwork can be completed and we are able to facilitate the distribution.

Alternative commercially produced fox baits such as Foxoff may also be purchased at some distribution locations. Payment by EFTPOS is preferred.

The distribution dates for 2024 are:

Western district

February 12:

• 2pm at Mudamuckla at the school
• 6pm at Smoky Bay CFS shed

February 13:

• 9.30am at Poochera pub
• 11.30am at Wirrulla pub

February 14:

• 9am in Penong at Westies tennis courts

February 15:

• 9.30am at Haslam CFS shed
• 10am at Yaninee town oval
• 11.30am at Minnipa oval
• 2pm at Mt Damper CFS shed
• 4pm at Warramboo cricket club

February 16:

• 8.30am at Kyancutta oval
• 9am at Goode at Warren Beatties farm house
• 11am at Charra Hall
• 12pm at Koongawa Hall
• 2.30pm at Wudinna workshop 3 Coleman St

February 20:

• 9.30am at Calca crossroads
• 11.30am at Inkster at Hull’s driveway
• 1.30pm at Chandada Hall

February 21:

• 9.30am at Streaky Bay DEWNR shed, opposite silos

February 26:

• 2pm at Minnipa Sports Club (at SARDI famer meeting)

February 29:

• 5.30pm Elliston at Larry Honners shed

Lock: contact Ian Quinn on 0427 261 793 to arrange as required

Ceduna: contact Andrew Sleep on 0428 252 931 to arrange as required

Southern district

February 14, 21, 28 and March 6:

• 10.30am to 1.30pm at our Port Lincoln depot on Henderson St
• 10.30am to 1.30pm at Cummins at the town oval

February 15, 22, 29 and March 7:

• 10.30am to 1.30pm at our Tumby Bay office on West Tce

Eastern district

February 26:

• 10am at Kelly Hall (TBC)
• 12pm at Waddikee Oval

February 27:

• 10am at Wharminda Hall
• 12pm at Arno Bay at Calliss Farm (Bayview)

February 28:

• 10am at Mangalo Hall
• 12pm at Coolanie/Glynn at Jack Curtis’ farm house

February 29:

• 10am at Darke Peak silos
• 1pm at Buckleboo Oval

March 5:

• 2pm at Rudall Sports Club (following SARDI farmer meeting)

Purchasing baits at other times of the year is possible through prior arrangement with your local landscape officer.
For further information call us on 8688 3200 or visit www.landscape.gov.au/ep/events.