Foxes

I just saw this photo on facebook and thought it shows what happens when there is not fox control. I thought it was appropriate due to the current hunting discussions.
It was taken by a Roo shooter in South Australia, and they were attracted by the gutting of Roos. If they were worth more than the bullet the Roo shooters would shoot them. When there was a market for fox skins there were many fox shooters keeping numbers down.

wow that's a lot of foxes!! What you need there is something like a Gatling gun. Or a flame-thrower.

This was taken near Glendambo, in South Ausatralia, and what is frightening is how arid and barren this area is, but it can still support such a large number of foxes.

When I first saw it I was certain it was fake. I could not believe there could be so many foxes in one place. Since then I have heard of several people who have seen the same thing. Usually Roo shooters see this as they are gutting large numbers of Roos and struggling to make an income. Bullets are a major expense and if the shot all the foxes they saw it would cut into their profit which is small to start with. All they need is a bounty high enough to cover their ammunition costs and time and they would shoot these foxes.

How much does a bullet cost?



Hix

Is there any statutory duty in any of the Australian states that makes the landowner responsible for the control of pest species? Foxes and rabbits spring to mind, but I'm sure Aussies can suggest others.

Holy crap!

Monty, if someone could manage to eliminate all of these foxes at the same time do you think it would significantly decrease the fox population in the local area, or would other foxes quickly move in?

We have shot up to 44 a day doing fox drives in stubbles. The most I can remember getting was 6 in one paddock. About 3 weeks later we only got about 25 in those same paddocks, so we reduced numbers a little, but new ones come in.
I think is someone did start shooting at hose foxes they may only get 4-5 as they would not hang around if you started shooting them. Consistent effort over time over a large area is what is needed. Roo shooters could do that is they were paid for foxes.

How much does a bullet cost?

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Less than a dollar for components, but there is the time to put them together, the time spent stopping to shoot foxes and scaring Roos away with the shot, and wear on the rifle barrel.
I buy guns, spotlights, reload bullets, etc though just to shoot foxes though.

OMG I've never seen so many Red Foxes at once!