Fox Bounty Program
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board welcome the new $220,000 fox bounty scheme which has been introduced by the state government in an attempt to cull the pest.
The South Australian fox bounty program which is managed by PIRSA, supports drought-affected primary producers by providing $10 per fox humanely killed on their land. It is a way to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector through enhanced fox control in production areas.
The fox bounty program complements existing coordinated fox control programs supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board such as coordinated neighbourhood fox baiting programs.
The fox bounty program will run until 1 August 2023 or until funding is exhausted. The fox bounty is funded by the Government’s Drought Support Program. Foxes are a declared pest animal under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 and it is the responsibility of landholders to control feral foxes on their properties.
South Australian livestock producers who have a Property Identification Code are eligible to claim the bounty and further information regarding the program can be found on the PIRSA website
A bounty collection day will be held by PIRSA in the Limestone Coast region in due course however all landholders are first required to register for the program via the PIRSA website for further information and updates on the bounty program.
The Fox Bounty program is another tool to assist with reducing the fox population and provide a benefit to primary producers and native wildlife. It is a great opportunity for landholders to get organised early in their preparation for fox and rabbit control campaigns.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board remind landholders that there is no stand-alone method to control foxes. The best approach to managing fox problems is through a coordinated fox control program utilising a variety of fox control methods such as ground shooting, baiting and fumigation of dens. Other options may include using guard animals, trapping, exclusion fencing and fox deterrent lights. Most effective control occurs if multiple methods are used and by teaming up with your neighbours in a coordinated approach.
Whilst any effort to reduce feral fox numbers is a benefit to the Limestone Coast region, a poison baiting program in partnership with your neighbours can reduce the fox population significantly whilst limiting the social impact of the baiting. Baiting at least twice a year during early spring and again in early autumn is optimal.
Landscape Officers are able to supply 1080 fox baits, PAPP fox baits, canid pest ejector capsules, and trap hire. Plan early to control foxes by the baiting method as there is an approval and notification process to complete before baiting can be undertaken. It is compulsory to adhere to directions for use, and this includes a mandatory requirement to notify neighbours of baiting programs and specific distance requirements to assist with safety for dogs, and in some instances wildlife.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board remind the community to ensure they are implementing ethical and responsible hunting practices and the need to comply with all rules and regulations especially regarding the use of firearms and landholder consent.
For more information, advice, baiting supply options, or for help with organising a cooperative fox baiting program in your area contact your local Landscape Officer.
Contact information for Landscape Officers can be found here or by calling the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in Mount Gambier 87351177 or in Keith 87551620.
Further information on the Fox Bounty program can be found at https://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/introduced-pest-feral-animals/find_a_pest_animal/foxes/fox_bounty_program
