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 Bounty claims 10,000 foxes 

Bounty claims 10,000 foxes

23 Jan, 2012 09:29 AM
THERE has been a huge response to the Victorian fox bounty by landowners, with 10,000 fox scalps collected in 11 weeks.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh visited Holt's Gun Shop in Colac with Member for Polwarth Terry Mulderlast week to discuss the fox bounty with hunters.

"The overwhelming response of more than 10,000 scalps in such a short time shows just how much farmers needed this bounty as a long-term control measure for wild dogs and foxes," Mr Walsh said.

"The Victorian Coalition Government's fox bounty has quickly surpassed the former Labor government's flawed FoxStop program, which only claimed about 6,000 foxes per year."

The bounty is $10 per fox and $50 per wild dog, with more than $100,000 flowing into hunters' pockets already.

"Collections resumed on Monday and I expect to see large numbers of fox scalps delivered to Department of Primary Industries sites over the next few weeks," Mr Walsh said.

Hunters need to submit an entire fox scalp, including both ears and the skin surrounding the eyes and the nose in an air-dried, fresh or frozen condition to collect the reward.

Mr Mulder said there had been a noticeable increase in spotlighting activity across the south west since the introduction of the fox bounty.

"Most farmers agree that the bounty is effective at reducing fox numbers and have welcomed the Victorian Government's introduction of the scheme," Mr Mulder said.

"There are lots of foxes around but some shooters have reported a reduction compared with the same time last year, which is being attributed to the bounty."

Mr Walsh also released a full schedule of fox bounty collection points from January through until April 2012. Hunters can view the list at www.dpi.vic.gov.au /bounty

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
how many from over the border
Posted by mushroom, 23/01/2012 5:40:48 PM, on Stock & Land
This is great news for Vic, I wish the NSW Govt could be similarly motivated.

Last lambing I removed 21 foxes in 11 days without leaving the lambing paddock... after i had completed my two week poisoning campaign !!

Posted by NSW Farmer, 23/01/2012 9:25:09 PM, on Stock & Land
I agree NSW Farmer. I wish SA would get on board as well.

Its like peeing into the wind if other landholders in the area are not doing their bit.

I find that my control efforts just open up new territory for those outside to flood into.

Posted by fridgimus, 24/01/2012 8:20:20 AM, on Stock & Land
A very expensive exercise in futility. Fox numbers where there is cover appear to be huge, and regenerate quickly after reduction.

To successfully reduce fox numbers it would be necessary to undertake large scale co-ordinated poisoning campaigns. Perhaps thought should be given to compulsion as with weeds. Some people believe foxes control rabbits. Historically they didn't.

Last year I put out 30 fresh baits on about 500 acres, and replaced them with Fox Off as they were taken. I used 45 Fox Off biscuits before I stopped patrolling, and baits were still being taken.

Posted by Ted O'Brien, 24/01/2012 10:31:52 AM, on Stock & Land
Interesting, NSW Farmer. How many man hours did you put in over that two weeks? And how many extra lambs do you estimate you saved because of it?
Posted by Ian Mott, 24/01/2012 10:49:08 AM, on Stock & Land
This is great to see that the government is attempting to control fox numbers.

I think the only way to really put a dent in the numbers is to use a biological control. There's always a number of foxes that dodge the gun and dogs.

The fur trade at its height would of been doing 20-30 times more foxes per fortnight at the markets.

Posted by Dromana, 24/01/2012 3:14:04 PM, on Stock & Land
Research that has been conducted in SA concluded that in most cases, the increase in lambing percentage exceeded the cost of control. More so if there is a coordinated approach involving neighbouring landholders.
Posted by fridgimus, 24/01/2012 8:09:31 PM, on Stock & Land
Most scientists agree it is impossible to reach every animal - a quick breeding species such as foxes will quickly fill all the niches that have been emptied.
Posted by Kathleen, 3/02/2012 8:18:52 PM, on Stock & Land

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