Land Owner
"F.E.D.S were great to deal with. They turned up on time, got the job done properly."
THE BALLIMORE WIPEOUT (FOX & KANGAROO CONTROL)
F.E.D.S was recently contracted to undertake a pest management operation on a rural property near Ballimore, NSW, following reports of significant fox activity and increasing kangaroo pressure across grazing areas. The landholder had experienced ongoing fox predation on sheep, particularly during vulnerable periods, as well as heavy competition from kangaroos impacting pasture availability and overall carrying capacity.
Following an initial assessment and consultation with the property owner, a two-day control program was implemented. Two licensed and experienced shooters were deployed to the property to carry out targeted, ground-based pest control operations. Activities focused on areas of high animal movement, including paddock edges, watering points, and known travel corridors, to ensure control efforts were applied effectively and safely.
Over the course of the contract, more than 35 foxes were removed, significantly reducing immediate predation risk to livestock. In addition, over 200 kangaroos were controlled in accordance with relevant approvals, helping to alleviate grazing pressure and improve pasture recovery.
Operations were conducted with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and animal welfare, and in accordance with all applicable NSW legislation and permit conditions. The outcome provided immediate relief to the landholder and contributed to improved livestock protection and land management conditions moving forward.
F.E.D.S continues to support rural landholders across NSW with professional pest management services tailored to property-specific needs, helping reduce pest impacts and protect valuable agricultural assets.
The images below were captured during the contract. To protect client privacy and confidentiality, identifiable landmarks, infrastructure, and livestock have not been shown.
Equipment and Operational Capability
To ensure the highest level of effectiveness, safety, and professionalism, F.E.D.S deployed a range of industry-leading equipment throughout the Ballimore contract. This included advanced thermal imaging optics, precision laser rangefinding systems, and purpose-built firearms configured specifically for professional vertebrate pest control operations.
A key component of the operation was the use of the Pulsar Thermion 2 XL60 thermal riflescope, one of the most advanced thermal optics currently available. This high-resolution thermal system allowed operators to clearly detect and identify animal activity in complete darkness and across large open grazing areas. The enhanced clarity and detection range provided by the XL60 significantly improved situational awareness, allowing animals to be located efficiently while ensuring positive identification prior to any control action. This technology is particularly valuable in rural environments where foxes and kangaroos are most active during low-light periods.
F.E.D.S also utilised the Burris Eliminator 6 laser rangefinding optic, an advanced system that integrates precise distance measurement directly into the optic. This allowed operators to accurately determine distance to target in real time, removing guesswork and improving overall precision. By providing instant and reliable distance data, the Eliminator 6 supports confident decision-making and contributes to more consistent and humane outcomes, particularly across varied terrain and longer engagement distances.
Where appropriate, sound moderation equipment was used to reduce noise disturbance to livestock and surrounding areas. This helped minimise stress to animals on the property and allowed operations to be conducted in a controlled and discreet manner without unnecessary disruption.
All equipment deployed during the operation was selected to support safe, efficient, and humane pest control, while ensuring full compliance with NSW legislation and animal welfare standards. By investing in modern, purpose-built equipment such as the Pulsar Thermion 2 XL60 and Burris Eliminator 6, F.E.D.S is able to deliver reliable and professional pest management services that meet the expectations of landholders and commercial clients across New South Wales.