Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/721881
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 21 Who would have thought that we have almost reached the end of the three year National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) - Supplementary Pest Control (SPC) Program Trial? In essence, SPC has been acknowledged for the collaborative benefits and role of volunteer ground based shooting, when added to the existing suite of pest control techniques, as part of an integrated pest management strategy across the twelve National Parks and Reserves that the Program has been operating within. From all accounts the Program has been hailed a success with many positive outcomes and relationships being forged. The comradery between NPWS Officers and the Qualified Supplementary Pest Control Volunteers (QSPCVs) is testament to the level of professionalism and commitment that is demonstrated each and every operation. This year saw the introduction of night shooting operations, a recommendation that was put forward by our QSPCVs and the Natural Resources Commission, to aid in achieving pest management outcomes. Specifically focusing on introduced nocturnal predators such as feral cats and foxes. The first four night operations commencing this year were successful in removing 21 cats. This is compared to the 23 cats that had been shot in the proceeding 28 daytime only operations. This clearly identifies the significance that night operations play in targeting and dispatching these cunning predators. The Natural Resource Commission who are conducting the independent review of the SPC Trial have had some very positive things to say in their reports so far. There is still a final report to be prepared for the Minister and while the future of the Program is uncertain, we remain hopeful that it will continue in some form following the trial period. Supplementary Pest Control Program Update