War on foxes, wild dogs resumes

A Victorian fox and wild-dog bounty period has resumed.

Agriculture Victoria biosecurity officers started manning designated scalp and skin-collection centres, starting in the state’s northeast, on Monday.

Agriculture Victoria leading biosecurity officer Nigel Roberts said the fox and wild-dog bounty had been running since 2011.

“In that time, we have collected more than 722,000 fox scalps and 3000 wild-dog skin pieces through the bounty,” he said.

“We will be collecting from March until the end of October, consistent with previous years.”

Eligible participants can submit entire fox scalps for a $10 reward and entire wild-dog skin pieces for a $120 reward during scheduled collection times.

Mr Roberts urged hunters to refresh their knowledge with the terms and conditions of the bounty to ensure the pieces they submitted were acceptable, and to check collection-centre open times.

He said there had been changes this year due to public holidays.

“It’s important that everyone participating knows the requirements, so they can benefit from the bounty,” he said.

Mr Roberts also reminded hunters the collection of entire wilddog skin pieces for a North West Wild Dog Control Area was by appointment only.

He said people could make appointments by calling Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Wimmera fox-collection centres are in Horsham and St Arnaud.

People seeking full details on bounty collection times and locations, terms and conditions can visit website www.agriculture. vic.gov.au/bounty or call 136 186.