printStock Journal Feature: May 2026
Author: James Stevens, PIRSA
One of the most serious animal pests in Australia with an estimated annual damage bill of $200 million a year, fox management is a key priority for sheep and lamb producers.
Under the Landscape South Australia Act, landowners are responsible for fox management and control activities – and doing so humanely.
A range of control tools are available including baiting, den fumigation and destruction, ground shooting and trapping, with baiting (using either manufactured or fresh-meat baits), the most effective method available.
With the ideal baiting window between September and April (when foxes are most likely to take baits), now is the time to plan your spring baiting program. Twice yearly baiting is recommended to be most effective. Producers should aim to bait at least once, six to eight weeks before spring or autumn lambing.
Available for collection from your local Landscape Board, baits can only be laid after neighbour notifications have occurred and mandatory signage is in place.
Placement is also important. Baits should be buried - ideally at 250 metre intervals - along internal fence lines, fire trails, vehicle tracks and landmarks such as logs, rocks and track intersections. Buffer zones are a must when laying baits around homes, waterways, boundary fences and public roads.
Wind direction, particularly at night is also key. Baits placed on the upwind side of fox travel routes assist in the scent drift toward approaching animals, improving uptake and reducing the chance of foxes caching multiple baits.
Using baits along with other control methods strengthens a baiting program so other management tools to consider include:
- Den fumigation with carbon monoxide – best timeframe August to October as vixens and cubs are usually confined during this period. Following fumigation, dens should be destroyed—either by machinery or hand—to prevent foxes from reopening dens.
- Ground shooting - can be carried out year‑round. Spotlights, thermal scopes, lures, scents and fox whistles can all improve success. Any firearm use must comply with the SA Firearms Act 2015.
- Trapping - cage traps can be used anywhere in the state, while soft‑jaw leg‑hold traps may be used outside built‑up areas and must be checked daily.
The best results usually occur when control programs are coordinated among neighbours, using multiple control options and timed for maximum impact. As foxes supplement their diet with rabbits, a coordinated control program for both pest animals will further reduce fox numbers.
Landholders are encouraged to contact their local Landscape Board for bait collection, training and approval requirements.
Further information: