Poison Baiting, Trapping, or Shooting. What’s the Best Method?

There are many varied pros and cons for each method, and sometimes, the best method is a combination of baiting, trapping, and shooting. In this article we will look at the pros and cons of each method allowing you to decide the best method or methods for your specific circumstance.

Poison baiting

Here in Australia, poison baiting is a very common method for controlling pest animals that cause harm to the environment and agriculture. It involves the use of baits containing 1080 poison, which is strictly regulated to minimise harm to non-target animals. While it is controversial, it is cost-effective and efficient over large areas, but non-target animals can be exposed to the poison. In many cases, poison baiting is necessary to cover large areas like state forests and national parks, however, it must be used responsibly to protect the environment, agriculture, and minimise risk to non-target animals.

Trapping

Trapping is an alternative method to poison baiting for controlling pest animals in Australia. It involves the use of traps to capture or kill animals like feral cats, foxes, and rabbits. Traps can be humane and targeted to specific areas but require more labour and expertise than poison baiting. Proper trapping techniques must be followed to minimise the risk of harm to trapped animals.

Shooting

Shooting is one of the methods used in Australia to control pest animals in areas where other methods may not be practical. It is typically employed in rural areas where large numbers of feral pigs, wild dogs, or kangaroos may be present and causing damage to crops or property.

One of the primary advantages of using shooting as a method for pest control is that it is a quick and humane way to kill animals. If done correctly, the animals are killed instantly, reducing suffering and stress. This is particularly important when dealing with feral pigs or wild dogs that can be dangerous and aggressive.

Shooting is also an effective way to control pests over large areas. A trained shooter can cover a significant amount of ground, allowing them to target specific areas where pests are causing the most damage.

However, shooting also poses some risks and disadvantages. One of the main concerns is the potential for injuring animals rather than killing them instantly. Poor shooting technique, using the wrong calibre firearm, or shooting at the wrong angle can result in animals being wounded rather than killed, causing unnecessary suffering.

Another concern is the safety of using firearms in populated areas. Shooting can pose a risk to people and animals if not done safely and responsibly. Therefore, proper safety measures and regulations must be followed when using shooting as a method for pest control.

In conclusion, shooting is an effective method for controlling pest animals in rural areas and some non-rural areas of Australia. It is quick and humane, but requires skill, knowledge, and safety measures to be effective. While there is a risk of injuring animals or people, proper regulations and safety measures can minimise this risk.

What’s the best method for you?

The best method or combination of methods really depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. Each method in isolation can prove effective but generally speaking, a combination of methods provides the best results. 

Here at AusTiger Conservation we offer shooting services as our area of focus and expertise. If this is a method you’re interested in, please contact us to discuss your requirements.