Hi Carl,
Having lived in western NSW for approximately forty years, I have a little
knowledge of goats and there effect on the environment and also the attitude
of those living in the west towards goats. I guess its a matter of weighting
up which is the most damaging in the short and long term and which is the
most effect method of controlling goats in an area. Shooting is not it, but
since goats have now and economic value, harvesting might have the desired
effect of at least controlling numbers or at least I hope it has.
Though with the NSW Ag now encouraging landholders to use goats as a means
to control native vegetation (Woody Weeds) I wonder if that will happen.
Neville Schrader
-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Clifford
Sent: Saturday, March 2, 2013 7:35 PM
To: Neville Schrader OAM
Cc: Briding -Aus
Subject: Shooting in Birdlife controlled conservation
areas
Neville,
Done a bit actually. When I was an animal health inspector with NSW Ag, I
helped out our Noxious Animal Control Officer on his goat control research
during my quiet times. It certainly is effective, but is done with a lot of
noise, dust and environmental disturbance. It is not quite the activity you
would want in a wildlife reserve like Gluepot.
Carl Clifford
On 02/03/2013, at 6:23 PM, Neville Schrader OAM <>
wrote:
Carl,
I don't know what expertise you have in rounding up wild goats, but
they pretty easy, all you need is a good dog, a motor bike and mobile
yards, preferably near a waterhole (personal information from my nephew, a
professional goat herder) and with that you can make a good living.
That's why goats in NSW will never be eradicated. The economical factor
and the fact that many leasees in the western Division are now turning to
goats, rather then sheep for an income. The only hope is for the economic
value to be removed, which I can't see happening, at least in my life
time. This also applies to pig's and now possibly the River Rabbit (carp).
Whenever you put and economic value on anything it changes its complexion.
Though I would love to see the whole three and a few more species,
eradicated I don't see it happening.
The once or twice a year shoot by NPWS (or whatever there new title is )
has little impact, whilst ever they are surrounded with properties full of
goats, amateur shooters will have a negotiable impact if not cause further
problems, like fire (especially in the mallee country).
As far as Goats and Cats I'd take the goat anytime, corning a feral cats
is the equivalent of taking you live in your hands. Feral cats do not act
like you cute pussy cat you have at home.
I think average Australian is aware of the problem, but its one of those
problems that individuals feels helpless about, after all our track
record is not to good in controlling pests. Remember the dingo fences,
rabbit fences, tick control etc etc. As far as Foot and Mouth and other
diseases it only a matter of time.
But I see all of this as a side issue to my original e-mail.
Neville Schrader
-----Original Message----- From: Carl Clifford
Sent: Saturday, March 2, 2013 12:54 PM
To: Neville Schrader OAM
Cc: Briding -Aus ; Dick Cooper ; Mark Clayton
Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Shooting in Birdlife controlled conservation
areas
Neville,
NSW National Parks use professional shooters to control feral animals,
such as pigs, goats and deer. The areas the shooters operate in are closed
off when culling is in progress. Shooting is usually carried out where
culling methods such as baiting or trapping are impractical.
Trapping can be effective in some situations, but is expensive and animals
quickly learn to avoid traps. It is usually only cost effective when the
trapped animals can be on-sold to the live export or abattoir trade.
Rounding up feral goats? Rounding up cats is somewhat easier.
It is a pity that the average Australian does not regard feral animal
control more seriously. When Foot and Mouth Disease eventually enters
Australia (and it will eventually, despite the best efforts of AQIS), we
can kiss goodbye to most of our meat and many other agricultural product
export trades.
Carl Clifford
On 02/03/2013, at 10:29, Neville Schrader OAM <>
wrote:
It appears to me to be a pretty hard argument we have in NSW to stop
shooting in National Parks, when we see statement like this in the last
Birdlife e- News, in relation to Gluepot Reserve, i.e six members of the
sporting shooters visited for four days, shooting 74 goats, a cat and a
fox, and they also trapped two foxes. Whilst I am aware that other states
allow shooting in Conservation areas, I don’t see why Birdlife should
support such. Trapping I have no problem with or rounding up the goats
and selling.
The question now is, who controls the policy of operations and management
in Gluepot and Birdlife.
In disappointment
Neville Schrader
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