Fox control in the spotlight

THE Limestone Coast Landscape Board is encouraging farmers and landholders to make a start with their fox control programs.

Many proactive farmers and landholders have already taken advantage of the services provided by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board earlier than usual to out-fox the fox.

Limestone Coast Landscape Board landscape officer Lizzie Doyle said reports over the past month of young foxes dispersing is leading to daytime sightings.

“We are getting strong interest from sheep farmers this year,” Ms Doyle said. “With the practice of scanning sheep for pregnancy becoming more common, farmers can see in real numbers the benefit of their fox control programs through increased lamb survival”.

Early Autumn is an important time for fox control as young foxes start to establish new territories and mature foxes start to establish dens for the winter breeding season.

Dry conditions help with laying baits as it preserves the scent that attracts foxes to the buried baits.

Foxes are a declared pest animal under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board is committed to reducing the impact of foxes to native wildlife and agriculture.

Landscape officers are able to supply 1080 and PAPP fox baits, canid pest ejector capsules, and hire out traps.

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 essential 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.

For more information, advice, baiting supply options, or for help with organising a fox baiting group in your area contact your local Landscape Officer.

Contact information can be provided by calling the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in Mount Gambier 87351204 or direct to Lizzie Doyle on 0400 188 094.