Southern Eyre Fox bait distribution days begin

Land managers on southern Eyre Peninsula are invited to collect fox baits and discuss their fox control programs at 14 convenient rural distribution days hosted by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula.

Natural Resources Officer Gemma Marshall said free fox baits are available to eligible land managers and staff will be on hand to discuss property baiting programs at a series of distribution days beginning at the Coulta Hall on Wednesday 14 March and going through to mid-April.

“The greatest success is achieved through well-coordinated fox baiting programs in close communication with your neighbors,” Gemma said.

“Sheep producers who work together to coincide the timing of fox baiting can expect increases in lambing percentages, sometimes up to as much as 20 per cent, as shown in research by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA.

“Baiting twice a year also delivers the better results. Once in autumn before winter lambing and again during the spring fox breeding season.”

Since introduced for recreational hunting in the mid-1800s, foxes have spread across most of Australia and continue to cause decline of native animals, as well as predating on newborn lambs. Control of foxes relies heavily on conventional techniques such as shooting, poisoning and fencing.

“Fox baiting to protect wildlife on private properties is also a good neighbour gesture and I encourage land managers that may be considering this to come and talk with us about the options. Foxes are estimated to cost the Australian environment and economy $230 million per year,” Gemma said.

In 2017, Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula distributed 19 860 fox baits to land managers across the region. Fox baits may be collected by appointment from NREP offices all-year round. Dried kangaroo meat baits (free) and commercially-produced baits will be available ($30 for 20) at the bait distribution days. Land managers are reminded to bring along a bucket with a sealable lid or buy a bucket from NREP when you collect your baits. For more information please, contact the Port Lincoln Natural Resource Centre on 8688 3111.

For news, updates and reminders, follow Natural Resources EP on Twitter @EPNRM

Fox baiting distribution days will run at the following locations across southern Eyre Peninsula:

1. Coulta – Coulta Hall, Wednesday, 14 March 9.30 - 11.30 am

2. Yallunda Flat - Yallunda Flat Hall, Wednesday, 14 March 9.30 – 11.30 am

3. Wanilla - Wanilla Hall, Wednesday, 14 March 1 – 3 pm

4. Tumby Bay - NR/Landcare Office, Thursday, 15 March 9.30 – 11.30 am

5. Karkoo – Karkoo Hall, Thursday, 15 March 9.30 – 11.30 am

6. Cummins - Lincoln Rural Supplies, Thursday, 15 March 1 – 3 pm

7. Greenpatch – Kurara Woolshed, Friday, 16 March 9.30 – 11.30 am

8. Sleaford – Mikkira Station, Friday, 16 March 1 – 3 pm

9. Ungarra – Ungarra Hall/Café, Friday, 16 March 9.30 – 11.30 am

10. Port Neill – Supper Room Hall, Friday, 16 March 1 – 3 pm

An NRM Officer will be at the CUMMINS RURAL SUPPLIES store from 10am until midday on Thurs 22 March, Thurs 29 March, Thurs 5 April and Thurs 12 April 2018.