scone.com.auWildly successful wild dog trapping courses
LOCAL Land Services (LLS) and New South Wales Pest Control Manager Stuart Boyd-Law are running world class courses that teach local landholders how to safely trap and manage wild dogs in the Upper Hunter.
Courses held at Ellerston teaches landholders how to set and disguise soft jaw traps as well as lifecycle habitat, biology and baiting techniques.
Mr Boyd-Law said if he was to add up all of the dogs that have been caught because of the training course, it would certainly add up to the hundreds.
“We do train people to trap, but we also talk about baiting and other control technologies,” he said.
“Rich Aly and Johnny Randall from LLS have come along and given us all their tips on thermal stuff, so it’s a whole control package with a focus on trapping.
“Everyone who comes to the training, even if they don’t end up as a wild dog contractor, they pick up a lot of information, talk about the course and spread the word about wild dogs and the issues they’re causing.”
Successful wild dog trapping courses run by the LLS. Photo supplied by Hunter LLS.
Wild dogs cause serious threat to local livestock and native animals in the Upper Hunter and have especially impacted local sheep farmers.
Richard Aly, Senior LLS Biosecurity Officer said trapping is an art form and not for everyone, but is very successful the right hands.
“It takes a lot of dedication and patience,” said Mr Arly.
“Dogs are very challenging and you’ve got to have a really good understanding of what they’re doing in your local environment in order to take them on,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of success stories of people that have come through that trapping course and out the other side, becoming employers.”
“Stuart, together with LLS deliver a very good course, in fact his course is nationally recognised for accreditation under TAFE.”
Courses cost $1,500, inclusive of meals, accomodation, loaning of trap gear and TAFE accreditation.
Mr Boyd-Law said the course is fairly intensive, with most lessons starting during early hours of the morning and some finishing late at night.
“On some nights we’re out doing lessons with thermal gear or doing other instructional things,” said Mr Boyd-Law.
“We’re very lucky to be able to get onto Ellerston, the whole package including the accomodation and area where we can trap and teach people is great,” he said.
“Everyone has their own room and there’s a kitchen area.
“We enjoy ourselves too, sit around the fire, talks dogs and have a few beers.”
To find out more or to register for a course, contact the Hunter LLS Biosecurity Team by calling 1300 795 299.
Tags: Education, Livestock, Local Land Services, trapping courses, Wild Dogs