Southern Eyre fox bait distribution days

Annual free fox baits for land managers will be distributed by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula (NREP) at a number of convenient locations across southern Eyre Peninsula this March and April.

Natural Resources Officer Geraldine Turner 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 Tumby Bay on Thursday 12 March and going through to mid-April.

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

Primary Industries and Regions SA research indicates that land managers who work with neighbours to coincide the timing of fox baiting can expect increases in lambing percentages, sometimes as much as 20 per cent. Baiting twice a year also delivers better results.

Natural Resources Officer Ben Smith adds that baiting twice a year also delivers 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 the 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 who 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,” Mr. Smith said.

Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula distributes around 20,000 fox baits to land managers across the region each year. Baits can also be collected by appointment from Natural Resource centres throughout the year. Dried kangaroo meat baits (free) and commercially produced baits will be available ($30 for 20) at the distribution days.

Land managers are reminded to bring along a bucket with a sealable lid or buy a bucket from NREP when collecting 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 for Southern Eyre Peninsula are listed below:

Tumby Bay: Natural Resource Centre/Landcare Office, Thursday 12 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Ungarra: Ungarra Hall, Friday 13 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Coulta: Coulta Hall, Tuesday 17 March 9.30 - 11.30am

Yallunda Flat: Yallunda Flat Hall, Tuesday 17 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Wanilla: Wanilla Hall, Tuesday 17 March 1 – 3pm

Karkoo: Karkoo Hall, Wednesday 18 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Port Neill: The Green Shed, Wednesday 18 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Cummins: Lincoln Rural Supplies, Wednesday 18 March 1 – 3pm

Greenpatch: Kurara Woolshed, Thursday 19 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Sleaford: Fire Tank at 264 Fishery Bay Road, Thursday 19 March 1 – 3pm

Additional days at Cummins: Lincoln Rural Supplies, Thursday 26 March, 2 and 9 April, 10am – 12pm