Foxes wreak havoc on domestic and native animals alike - and a small Shoalhaven group is determined to put a stop to it.
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The Shoalhaven Fox Control program currently has 50 members and have taken out 1075 foxes over the past two years.
They hope to swell their rainks to 100 members and destroy 1500 foxes a year. They estimate at that rate it would take just three years to get the Shoalhaven fox population under control.
Member Peter Jirgen said he realised the extent of the fox problem after he walked into a paddock full of smashed eggshells.
"I didn't know what they were, so I took them to a fauna expert," he said.
"They were eastern long neck turtle eggs. About 18 nests had been destroyed in that one paddock. I wasn't even looking for them.
"I realised that was why I hadn't been seeing them around."
Since then he has taken out more than 100 foxes on his property - and been richly rewarded.
"A month ago I saw four long neck turtles walking across the paddocks to the creek," he said.
"Given the opportunity, they can come back."
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The program, which is supported by Landcare, also trains people in how best to use baits and traps at their field days, the most recent of which was held at Cambewarra Estate Winery on Wednesday, July 29.
1080 bait, used far from residential areas, can be an effective option.
The poison is made from a substance produced by native Australian plants, so poses no threat to native wildlife, only introduced species.
The group also has a squad of 10 volunteer shooters.
Trapping is another option, particularly for those in more built-up areas.
There is a knack to it, and some volunteers have dedicated years to learning all the tricks, and developed their own traps into the bargain.
At the fox control field days, members demonstrate the most effective ways to trap and bait foxes.
They're always on the lookout for more volunteers - if you're interested in getting involved, go to the Shoalhaven landcare website and follow the link.