Controlling Australia’s top predator species on EP
Landholders across Eyre Peninsula are encouraged to begin baiting for foxes now, with the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board starting its annual fox bait distribution days.
Each year the Board holds fox bait distribution days to encourage Eyre Peninsula landholders to undertake fox control activities at the same time, which produces the best results for reducing numbers of these pest animals.
Wudinna-based Landscape Officer Chamaree Goonetilleke has been hearing reports in the local area of plenty of foxes being sighted and says that coordinated baiting is one of the best ways to tackle this problem.
“We are never going to eradicate foxes but we can certainly work towards reducing their numbers which can benefit not only livestock farmers but also our native wildlife,” Ms Goonetilleke says.
“Foxes are Australia’s number one predator species, not only preying on lambs but also native birds and reptiles.
“Baiting is one way for landholders to play an important role in managing the damage caused by foxes, as well as fulfilling their obligation to control foxes which is part of the Landscape South Australia Act.
“The more we can get landholders in the same areas to bait, the more effective it will be.”
In a typical ‘farm forest’ environment such as the Eyre Peninsula, it’s estimated there can be between 4-8 foxes in every 100 hectares.
In late summer and early autumn, young foxes start to leave their dens and disperse to find a new territory, making it an optimal time to bait as they can be naïve and more likely to take baits.
Many livestock farmers also find this a good time to start baiting to get numbers down before lambing begins.
The 1080 meat baits are prepared by landscape board staff with eligible landholders able to purchase them for fox control for $1.60 per bait. 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 $13.00. 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 2025 are:
Far west
February 11:
- 9-10am in Penong at Westies Tennis Courts (Fox and Wild Dog baits available)
February 12:
- 9:30-10:30am at Poochera Pub
- 11:30am-12:30pm at Wirrulla Pub
February 13:
- 9-10am at Smoky Bay CFS shed
- 11am-12pm in Mudamuckla at the school
February 18:
- 9:30-10:30am at Calca Bluff/Drinanvale Crossroads
- 11:30am-12:30pm Inkster at Leroy Hull’s house
- 1:30-2:30pm at Chandada parking bay
February 20:
- 9-10am in Goode at Warren Beatties Farm
- 11am-12pm at Charra Hall
February 25:
- 11:30am-12:30pm at Haslam CFS shed
Southern EP
February 13, 20, 27 and March 6:
- 10:30am to 1:30pm at our Tumby Bay office on West Tce
February 13, 20, 27 and March 6:
- 10:30am to 1:30pm at the Cummins Oval
February 13, 20, 27 and March 6:
- 10:30am to 1:30pm at our Port Lincoln depot on Verran Tce
Western EP
Thursday, February 20
- 9:30-10:30am in Streaky Bay at the DEW shed, opposite silos
- 10-11am at Yaninee (Opposite Post Office)
- 12-1pm at Minnipa Oval
- 5:30pm near Elliston at Larry Honners shed (Colton)
Friday, February 21
- 10-11am at Warramboo Cricket Club
- 12-1pm Kyancutta Oval
- 2-3pm at Koongawa Hall
Tuesday, February 25
- 10-11am at Mt Damper CFS Shed
- 1-2pm at Wudinna workshop, 14 Coleman St
Lock – contact Elliston-based Landscape Officer Ian Quinn to arrange – 0427 261 793 or E: ian.quinn@sa.gov.au
Eastern EP
Thursday, February 27
- 10am-12pm at Waddikee Oval
- 1-3pm at Darke Peak silos
Friday, February 28
- 10am-2pm at Kimba, next to the roadhouse (north of the Big Galah)
Monday, March 3
- 10am-12pm at Arno Bay sporting complex
Tuesday, March 4
- 10am-12pm at Mangalo (Hannevale property)
Wednesday, March 5
- 10am-2pm at the Cowell silos
Thursday, March 6
- 9am-5pm at our Cleve office (25 Fourth St)
