If you are lucky enough to pick up a new bit of ground or your first permission to control foxes, there are some important things to consider to hold on to it.
Information is key
First up, have a long chat to the person offering you this permission. Find out as much info as you can; get them to show you the ground, making sure you know where the boundaries are and whether there are any rights of way going through it.
You should think about what the foxes are targeting – is it livestock, poultry or game birds? Or are they having an negative impact on the wildlife and need controlling?
Always remember it’s their land and you’re the guest. There might be places they don’t want you shooting because of noise or to avoid upsetting certain people.
Eyes and ears
Get the landowner to introduce you to any workers on the ground, as their information can be priceless. Also, building a good relationship with everyone will make you part of the team; you can’t be there all the time after all, so when you have settled in with everyone the help will start to come... stock men keeping you updated of any sightings or placing bait daily for you, for instance.
Recce
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