Ready! Aim! Fire! 10 teams are registered and set to hunt feral predators as part of a landscape-wide program to reduce the impact of feral animals on the agricultural regions of WA. Other shoots are happening across the region, with Wagin’s shoot also happening this weekend, and Kojonup and Woodanilling holding shoots in March. All shooters aim to reduce feral fox, rabbit and cat populations, all of which have a massive impact on both native wildlife and agricultural enterprises. Every fox shot and brought in to a tally will earn $5 from SSAAWA towards the Regional Men’s Health Initiative.

Did you know that since 2010, Red Card Fox Shoots have eliminated 27,000 foxes!?

To learn more about the Red Card program, head over to their website at http://www.redcard.org.au/ Controlling feral foxes is not just good for the environment, but good for producers, too. For example, this article discusses the link between foxes and ‘sheep measles’ (T. ovis). https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-parasites/sheep-measles-taenia-ovis (excerpt below)
The intermediate or larval stage of T. ovis has been shown to be carried some distance by flies so control should be seen as a district issue. It is a good idea to coordinate your dog worming program with your neighbours and ensure dogs do not roam between properties. Recent research has shown that the adult T. ovis is carried by foxes as well as dogs. The basics of control remain centred on the farm dog, but if you are seeing continuing problems with sheep measles despite proper management of farm dogs, spread from foxes should be considered. Control from this source should include:
  • regular planned programs of baiting or shooting of foxes
  • prompt disposal of carcasses by burning or burying so that foxes cannot scavenge them
  • avoiding using paddocks next to known fox habitats for lambing ewes and weaners.
And research has shown that sheep make up a huge proportion of fox diets, as reported through this article. http://www.redcard.org.au/blog/scientists-prove-foxes-diet-on-sheep-and-possums (excerpt below)
“We’ve found that juvenile foxes eat as much sheep as an adult fox, with sheep making up to two thirds of their stomach contents.”
  The shoot will happen on private property across the region on Saturday night, and a Tally Breakfast will be held on Sunday morning.

Some of the teams from 2017’s event.

Breakfast is always a highlight, and this year it’s free, thanks to WAMMCO and BKW Co-op’s generous contributions. This year, we’re putting on cheese toasties with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans and maybe tomatoes. A delicious big hearty meal! Perfect after a long night out! Also, thanks to the Katanning/Kojonup Veterinary Clinic for sending Dr Sherrilynn Wakefield to talk about animal health. We wish to thank the many companies who have supplied prizes for this year’s fox shooters: Also, a big thank you to Wagin Woodanilling Landcare Zone for dropping us 50 ear tags on very short notice! 🙂 You really helped us out!!