Victoria’s 2018 fox bounty collection dates have been finalised. Image: Gary Tate.

FOX shooters have presented more than 618,000 scalps for Victoria’s $10 bounty on the pest since 2011.

And a bounty has been claimed for 2675 wild dogs destroyed over the same period.

Agriculture Victoria today announced that collection teams will be back on the road from March 2018 with the resumption of the Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty.

Agriculture Victoria’s John Matthews said collections will commence on March 5, starting with the north-west collection centres.

“We are expecting larger numbers of scalps and wild dog skin pieces over the first few months of collections due to the stockpiling of body parts over summer and early autumn and a peak in fox hunting activity as young, vulnerable and displaced juvenile foxes move around the landscape.”

The yearly average for the bounty is now 98,413 fox scalps and 535 wild dog skin pieces.

Mr Matthews said the collection period for the fox and wild dog bounty will run 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,” he said.

Mr Matthews urged hunters to check collection centre times, as there are a number of minor scheduling changes for 2018 due to public holidays and a change of venue at Geelong.

He also reminded hunters that the collection of entire wild dog skin pieces for the North West Wild Dog Control Area is by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

For full details on collection times and locations, terms and conditions and frequently asked questions, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: Agriculture Victoria.