Baits & Trail Camera Workshop
Baits & Trail Camera Workshop
Using MEPAAW funds, Gunning District Landcare offered a workshop on 'Laying Baits & Using Trail Cameras' in its ongoing work to control foxes in the region.
Making a Difference -
MEPAAW2-SE-02
The issue
Gunning District Landcare has been a central player in establishing the region's coordinated fox baiting program. While the program is largely successful, there are always improvements that can be made, such as engaging more landholders, ensuring best practice baiting techniques are followed, and improving monitoring of pest animals and the impact of the baiting program.
The solution
Funds from the MEPAAW program enabled us to offer a workshop on 'Laying Baits & Using Trail Cameras'. The aims of the workshop were: 1) provide some practical demonstration of the best methods for laying baits and choosing the best baiting sites, and 2) demonstrate how to effectively use trail cameras to monitor and manage pest animals.
Bobby Dillon, a bio-security officer from the Goulburn Local Land Services office, conducted the workshop which was held on a farm close to Gunning. The workshop started with an informative powerpoint presentation in the shearing shed, before we moved outside to watch a demonstration of tethering baits, setting Canid Pest Ejectors, and discussing the best locations for laying baits (TIP: "think like a fox"!). The workshop finished inside where participants were entranced by trail camera photos of pests and wildlife. We then enjoyed some long chats over a lovely catered lunch.
The impact
The workshop was informative and enjoyable, and all participants were clearly engaged. New baiters left feeling more confident about how to get started, and experienced baiters picked up some good tips and tricks to make their practices more effective. There was some unexpected advice, such as the garnishing baits with blackberry jam, and splashing fish sauce or tuna oil around the baiting location. It seemed that everyone was inspired to try using trail cameras. Bobby's explanation of fox breeding cycles and the most effective time for baiting will help Gunning District Landcare review its baiting schedule.
Key facts
- There is always room for improvement, even in successful established baiting programs.
- Foxes cost the nation countless millions of dollars through their impact on agriculture and wildlife.
- November is a good time lay baits for foxes, when their appetites are voracious.
- When choosing bait locations, it's good to think like a fox - you can watch your dog for some clues on how animals move through the landscape.
- Trails cameras are an invaluable tool for monitoring pests and pest baiting.