Wildlife Damage Management Program
The Wildlife Damage Management Program was established by the Missouri Department of Conservation in an attempt to minimize conflicts between wildlife and landowners. The program depends on a variety of methods, including habitat management, animal husbandry, repellents, traps and scare tactics, to reduce wildlife damage.
Each complaint of wildlife damage received by the Conservation Department is analyzed to determine whether control is needed and to what extent, as well as the safest, most practical and most humane method for individuals and wildlife involved.
Population reduction is practiced when necessary, but only to the extent needed to reduce the problem to acceptable levels. In most cases only the animals causing damage are removed.
History
Wildlife damage management, including predator control, began in Missouri in 1821 when a bounty system was established. Bounties, how-ever, proved ineffective at reducing the number of predators or the damage caused by them. In fact, complaints of animal damage slowly increased.
In 1923, Missouri hired six government trappers to remove problem animals. This approach proved so time-consuming that the trappers couldn't respond to complaints in a timely manner.
An extension predator control program began in 1945, employing two predator control agents who trained farmers and landowners to remove offending predators and to prevent future predator damage. As wildlife populations grew, the program expanded to include any wildlife that caused substantial financial losses.
Today's Cooperative Program
Today, the Wildlife Damage Management Program consists of three Wildlife Damage Biologists and a Central Office Supervisor. The State is divided into three districts, with each Wildlife Damage Biologist serving three of the eight Conservation Department Protection regions (see map). In Kansas City and St. Louis an urban wildlife specialist is available to handle nuisance wildlife problems.
The program provides the knowledge and equipment necessary for people with wildlife damage control to solve immediate problems and to prevent future damage situations. There is no charge for the service and any materials used are sold to landowners at cost. Services are limited to vertebrate pests only. Problems involving insects are referred to the University Extension Service, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. Problems that relate to federally endangered or threatened species, migratory birds or other federally protected species are handled through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control Unit, 2407 Industrial Drive, Columbia, MO 65202.
How to Get Help
The three most common complaints about wildlife damage involve coyotes, beaver or deer. A typical complaint might be about coyotes killing livestock. A farm operator who is suffering losses and is unable to deal with the problem should first contact the local Conservation Agent for assistance. If the Agent cannot find a solution he/she will notify the District Wildlife Damage Biologist.
The biologist will then contact the farm operator and offer suggestions on how to handle the problem and, if necessary, will visit the farm operator at the damage site. The biologist will discuss various non-lethal or lethal control methods and advise the best approach to solving the problem and preventing future damage. If lethal control is necessary, the farm operator will be taught to use specialized equipment, such as traps or other devices. Pamphlets on specific wildlife damage and control problems can also be obtained by calling the Conservation Department offices listed on the map.
The Wildlife Code of Missouri, Rule 3CSR10-4.130: Owner May Protect Property. "Subject to federal regulations governing the protection of property from migratory birds, any wildlife except deer, turkey, black bears and any endangered species which beyond reasonable doubt is damaging property may be captured or killed by the owner of the property being damaged, or by his/her agent, at any time and without permit, but only by shooting or trapping except by written authorization of the director. Except as authorized, use of traps shall be in compliance with 3CSR10-8.510. Wildlife may be so controlled only on the owner's property to pre-vent further damage. Wildlife so captured or killed may not be used, transported, sold or given away but must be reported to an agent of the department within twenty-four (24) hours and disposed of in accordance with his/her instructions. Deer, black bears and endangered species that are causing damage may be killed only with the permission of an agent of the department and by methods authorized by him/her. "
Please contact your local Conservation Office for more information.
Content revision: 20030710
