Fashion at its foxiest
Bullsbrook Ellenbrook Advocate, Page: 1. Wednesday, 18 March, 2009
Fox fur could become Australia’s next fashion statement if the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia has its way.
It is promoting the use of the destructive pest’s fur as an environmentally friendly alternative to existing fur and synthetic products and Bindoon fox shooter Clem Winton thinks it’s a great idea.
“I see no reason why fur from foxes I shoot couldn’t be dried out, tanned and made into handbags, gloves or fur coats,” Mr Winton said.
“Some of the pelts I see are absolutely beautiful, with some remarkable colours and patterns to the fur. I challenge the shires and the Government to get behind this idea.” The 75-year-old has been shooting foxes, rabbits and feral cats for more than 24 years, and is proud of the role he has played in keeping their numbers down in the Bindoon, Kondinin, Wannamal and Moora areas.
Despite his efforts, he said fox numbers were increasing and the damage caused to livestock and native animals was a concern.
“Shooting foxes is quick and humane and by using a smaller bore rifle such as a .17 calibre, the pelt could be preserved in good condition for use as a fur product,” Mr Winton said.
Matthew Godson, from the Sporting Shooters Association, said using fox pelts from both commercial and non-commercial fox hunters should be promoted in much the same way as possum fur products were in New Zealand.
“New Zealand has major environmental problems due to the introduced Australian brush-tail possum and the use and sale of possum fur products plays an important role in conserving New Zealand’s flora and fauna,” he said.
Mr Godson said promotion of Australian fox fur would lead to an increase in demand, higher export prices and an additional economic benefit for the community.
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