1.             Background

Field & Game Australia branches have established a long history of participation in predator control programs and in particular fox hunting.

Fox drives are a popular hunting and social activity within FGA branches, and it is important that the conduct of such events is undertaken in an organised manner with safety being paramount. The nature of fox drives, which can mean moving to and from several properties in the one day, presents several potential safety risk issues.

The following guidelines are intended to assist FGA branches to plan and conduct fox hunting activities in an effective, safe and enjoyable manner.

2.             Organisation

The success of a fox drive is totally dependent on the amount of groundwork that is put in prior to the event. Branches should appoint a small committee to liaise with landowner/managers and scout the nominated properties. It is vital that once a landowner/manager has given approval to hunt on a property that you spend some time with them to familiarise yourself with the landscape and to clearly understand the conditions of entry. For example, the landowner/manager may not want you to hunt in certain areas because of livestock, residences or newly sown pasture. They will also advise the time you can access the property, vehicle access roads, property gates and fencing. The owner may have to switch off electric fences and move livestock. It is important that you comply with all their requests. Always conduct yourself in a professional manner and leave the property as you found it.

     I.          Safety Officer:

A safety officer must be appointed for each hunting event. This person must be continually observing the activities of all participants to ensure that highest safety standards are always maintained.

Due to the potentially hazardous nature of these types of events, some branches have a policy whereby they will exclude members from participation if they have been found to have committed a severe breach of safety.

   II.          Insurance:

FGA members are covered by $25,000,000 public liability insurance for legal hunting activities conducted by FGA incorporated branches. Organisers should have a copy of the insurance schedule when negotiating arrangements with landowner/managers and provide a copy for their records. Copies of the insurance schedule are available from the National Office.

3.             Participants

The basic procedure for conducting a fox drive involves shooters assembling in a line standing approximately 50 meters apart. Another group of people known as “beaters” will assemble in another line some distance (depending on the landscape) from the shooters and walk towards the shooters (downwind) making as much noise as possible, to drive the foxes towards the shooters. Beaters can use dogs to assist in flushing foxes. It is recommended that dogs wear high visibility vests. Beaters and shooters usually swap positions on alternate drives.

4.             Equipment

All shooters and beaters should wear high visibility clothing and vests and preferably carry a portable UHF radio tuned to the designated channel.

I.          First Aid Kit:

It is the organiser’s duty to provide a first aid kit for all participants. The safety officer is responsible for the first aid kit on the day.

 II.          Mobile Phone:

With numbers of local emergency services, doctor, hospital and for animal injuries an on-duty Veterinarian.

III.          Firearms:

Only shotguns can be used on a fox drive with a maximum shot pellet size of BB. Many hunters prefer #2 or #3 size shot.

5.             The Day Before

On the day before, the organisers should contact the landowner/manager to ensure that all previous agreed arrangements still stand. If conditions have changed it may require another property inspection to ensure that the organisers are familiar with the new arrangements.

6.             On the Day

 I.          Register:

All participants, including non-members must sign a participant’s book supplied by the organisers prior to the first drive (this is an insurance requirement). They must include their full name, address and phone number.

II.          IMPORTANT - Pre-hunt address to participants:

The safety officer or event coordinator must address all participants prior to commencement. Issues to be covered include:

1. No participants are to return to any of the properties for any hunting activity unless authorised by the branch.
2. Outline of the day’s hunt, properties, meeting points etc.
3. It is preferred that all participants carry a handheld UHF radio - Radio communication channel to be decided.
4. Lunch arrangements.
5. Vehicle access and other specific issues relative to the properties that will be hunted. It is best to minimise the number of vehicles that enter the properties.
6. Introduce safety officer who will discuss the safety issues and ensure that no one has ammunition larger than BB. Also introduce a rule that when getting into a car with a firearm, have another participant verify that the firearm is unloaded.
7. Safety equipment – high visibility vests, hearing protection first aid kit emergency phone numbers, Hospital, Doctors, Ambulance, Vets etc (where possible branches should provide spare safety equipment).
8. No alcohol is to be consumed until the event has been declared over and firearms have been safety stored away.
9. Whilst rabbits and hares are pest species also, they should not be shot at because it may ruin the opportunity to take a nearby fox.
10. Any person who breaches the rules of the shoot will be asked to leave

III.          Reporting:

It is vital that on completion of a hunt that a pest animal report is completed and forwarded to the FGA National Office (copy attached). Photos are also welcome. This is extremely important so that the association, in its annual reporting, can demonstrate to Government and the wider community the positive role we play in managing pest species.