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Research Needs In Wildlife Damage Control, James E. Miller

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The wildlife profession has achieved great success in habitat management, game population restoration, and in learning to manage wildlife populations for public use and enjoyment during the past 50 years. However, a number of wildlife species have become serious problems to agricultural profitability and to natural resources managers in recent years.

Coyote Control Techniques And Their Applications In The Eastern United States, Rick D. Owens

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Conflicts between coyotes and man's activities are varied and include such problems as predation on livestock, agricultural crops, and other wildlife, as well as threats to human health or safety. Formerly restricted to the Great Plains, the coyote's adaptability has enabled expansion of its population throughout most of the United States, Canada and Mexico. This expansion has occurred in spite of large-scale control and/or eradication efforts.

Landowner Perceptions Of Beaver Damage And Control In Arkansas, T. B. Wigley, M. E. Garner

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Landowner perceptions of damage caused by beavers (Castor canadensis) and of beaver control programs in Arkansas were determined by mail survey. Beavers were present on lands owned by 36% of the 1,716 respondents. Girdled timber, blocked culverts and flooded timber were the first, second and third most common damages reported, respectively. Thirty-two percent of all respondents and 90% of those with beavers reported at least one form of damage. Four percent of land owned by respondents was flooded by beavers. Of landowners with beavers, 50% described damage as substantial or severe, and 46% perceived damage as unreasonable. At …

Involving Hunting And Trapping In Cooperative Wildlife Damage Control, Ed Hackett

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The perception of a wildlife damage problem may vary greatly among groups with a stake in the problem. To the deer hunter, there is no such problem as too many deer. To the farmer, in the midst of a personal economic disaster, one deer may seem too many. To the conservation officer (CO) who has spent a career building deer populations, the farmer's problem may be a sign of success. To the USDA-APHIS-ADC staff member, solving the farmer's problem may be the most important issue. The key to resolving these conflicting views of the same event is to make each …

Bait Stations For Controlling Voles In Apple Orchards, Mark E. Tobin, Milo E. Richmond

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Bait stations made with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe were compared with hand-broadcast applications of rodenticides for achieving long-term control of pine and meadow vole populations (Microtus pinetorum and M. pennsylvanicus, respectively) in two apple orchards in the mid-Hudson Valley of New York. The stations were constructed of three pieces of 1.5-in diameter PVC tubing joined together in the shape of an inverted "T". Roofing shingles were placed over the entrances to some of the bait stations to encourage use by voles, while others were left uncovered. All stations were tied to trees, with no attempt to place them near …

Coyote Damage In The Southeastern United States, Edwin J. Jones

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

County agricultural agents in all 82 counties of Mississippi and Extension Wildlife Specialists in the other 10 southeastern states were asked to respond to a short questionnaire on coyote damage in their respective county or state. The questionnaire requested the respondents to: 1) indicate if the number of coyote reports have increased, decreased, or remained stable over the last 5 years, 2) indicate the number of reports they were aware of in the last year, 3) report the type of damage and the associated economic loss, 4) estimate the economic loss over the last 5 years, and 5) provide any …

Fox Squirrels Cause Power Outages: An Urban Wildlife Problem, J. C. Hamilton, R. J. Johnson, R. M. Case, M. W. Riley, W. W. Stroup

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In urban areas, power outages are caused each year by fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) that use electrical power equipment as travel lanes, rest sites, or for other activities. When a squirrel crosses a live bare wire on a transformer, the result is a blown fuse and electrocution of the squirrel. Power company outage reports were examined to determine when and where squirrel-caused outages occurred. Sixteen field sites in Lincoln were selected for study. Eight sites encircled transformers with ≥4 squirrel-caused outages, 1980-1985, and eight were adjacent control sites with no such outages. Squirrel behavior in relation to power …

An Evaluation Of Controlled Hunting For Management Of Feral Pigeons, Michael D. Hoy, Albert E. Bivings

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Pigeons (Columba livia) are a problem for municipal governments throughout most of the eastern United States. Toxicants, sterilants, trapping, and shooting are the principal control techniques. Due to a general public aversion to toxicants and to monetary constraints, a pigeon control program which utilized periodic hunting pressure was initiated in Stuttgart, Arkansas County, Arkansas. Guidelines for organization of controlled hunts are presented along with pigeon harvest rates and population trends. The city government and interested citizens consider the program to be successful and cost effective.

Status Of The Coyote In The Southeastern United States, Edward P. Hill

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The range of the coyote (Canis latrans) in the southeastern United States, particularly east of the Mississippi River, has recently expanded. Although populations were present in Arkansas and Louisiana in the 1960s, only isolated individuals were known to exist east of the river before 1975. In addition to Arkansas and Louisiana, the present range includes Mississippi and Alabama, the western three fourths of Kentucky and Tennessee, Northwestern Florida, southcentral and northwest Georgia and scattered portions of Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Peninsular Florida. Recent literature indicates that several releases have influenced the rate of …

Taxonomic Status Of Wild Canids In The Southeastern United States, Michael L. Kennedy

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In the last 20 years (especially during the last decade), reports of coyote-like wild canids have increased steadily in the southeastern United States. These canids have apparently become well established in many parts of the Southeast. Taxonomically, the coyote-like animal could represent coyote (Canis latrans), red wolf (C. rufus), gray wolf (C. lupus), domestic dog (C. familaris), or hybrids of these taxa. There has been wide speculation (especially among the general public) in some areas as to the taxonomic status of wild canids. General references to wild "coy-dogs" (coyote x domestic dog …

Perceptions And Management Preferences Of Game Wardens And Extension Agents Towards Deer Damage To Soybeans, Linda A. Lyon, Patrick F. Scanlon

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

We conducted mail-back questionnaire surveys in 1985 of game wardens and agricultural extension agents in eastern Virginia. Our objectives were to examine perceptions of deer damage, particularly on soybean crops, and deer management preferences of these two groups. Extension agents generally reported greater yield losses of crops from deer damage than did game wardens, but the average difference per crop between groups were not significantly different. For example, game wardens estimated that loss of soybean yield due to deer damage was 2.9% (SD= 1.96) and extension agents reported 4.9% loss (SD = 5.01, P = 0.31. The proportion of game …

Home Range Responses Of White-Tailed Deer To Crop-Protection Fences, S. E. Hygnstrom, S. R. Craven

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

We studied the home ranges and activity patterns of 24 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in south-western Wisconsin via radio-telemetry and visual observation to determine their response to single-strand electric crop-protection fences. Deer were allowed to establish feeding patterns in alfalfa fields during the spring green-up periods of 1986 and 1987. In mid-April of each year, 7 fences were constructed around selected 7-25 ha alfalfa fields to exclude deer from varying portions of their home ranges. No fences were constructed around alfalfa fields in one area. Fences were built around 50 and 100% of the alfalfa in 2 other …

Methiocarb-Treated Rice Seed Applied After Field Draining Fails To Repel Blackbirds From Sprouting Rice, N. R. Holler, P. W. Lefebvre, R. E. Matteson, G. R. Gutknecht, R. A. Dolbeer

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Blackbirds, primarily Agelaius phoeniceus, cause extensive losses to sprouting rice in southwestern Louisiana. Methiocarb applied to seed prior to planting at rates above 1.0 g a.i./kg rice (0.1%) has provided excellent protection to sprouting rice in Louisiana under conditions of high bird pressure. To reduce treatment costs, some farmers have used over-flights of methiocarb-treated seed applied at low rates to part of the field after draining. This study showed this technique was not efficacious under conditions of high bird pressure. Four fields treated in this manner suffered 98% loss of sprouts compared to 100% loss in four untreated fields. …

Use Of Soybean Fields In Eastern Virginia By White-Tailed Deer, Linda A. Lyon, Patrick F. Scanlon

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) use of soybean fields in Virginia was observed during the 1983 and 1984 growing seasons. Total deer observed and deer seen per observer-hour were both greater in 1983 (199 and 2.1, respectively) than in 1984 (122 and 1.8, respectively). The number of deer seen per observer-hour was related to crop phenology; it was highest during the early vegetative stages and decreased when the soybean plants entered reproductive growth stages. Most (90%) deer were sighted within 50 m of edge cover. In both years, the number of adult does seen was about 3 times the …

Drc-6749--An Avian Wetting Agent Of Low Aquatic Toxicity, P. W. Lefebvre, T. D. Bills, A. R. Stickley Jr., R. E. Matteson, L. L. Marking

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

PA-14, the compound presently registered for lethal control of blackbirds and starlings at roosts, is labelled for use only at upland sites. Research was undertaken to identify another wetting agent which might be registered for use at aquatic sites. Of 90 samples received from suppliers, 60 were evaluated for wetting ability in a standard laboratory test. Of these, 10 were chosen for test against an aquatic indicator animal, Daphnia. One of the 10, DRC-6749, a block copolymer, was found significantly low in toxicity, and underwent further aquatic testing against 6 fish and 1 mussel species. Under standard test conditions, …

A State-Administered User-Pay Program For Nuisance Wildlife Control, Dale W. May

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In recent years Connecticut, like many other northeastern states, has experienced dramatic suburban encroachment into woodland and farmland areas. The expansion of human population and the accompanying habitat alteration have resulted in a substantial increase in the frequency of wildlife/human conflicts. The Department of Environmental Protection's Wildlife Bureau, mandated to respond to the needs of the people as well as the wildlife of Connecticut, is the state agency given the responsibility of controlling nuisance wildlife problems. Although the Wildlife Bureau provides free technical assistance and educational material, in many cases landowners are either unwilling or unable to resolve nuisance wildlife …

A Perspective From A State Department Of Agriculture, Robert J. Mungari

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Prior to addressing our topic of "Research Needs in Wildlife Damage Control" it is necessary to provide you with the perspective of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as it relates to wildlife damage. The Department does not possess statutory authority over the management of the State's wildlife resources. We, therefore, lack the ability to address agricultural crop losses from a statewide or regional perspective through the utilization of population management. Instead we must approach damage control on an individual farm basis with the impact of our present control activities and practices being somewhat localized.

A Need For Professionalism In Wildlife Damage Control, James E. Miller

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The need for professionalism in wildlife damage prevention and control is more important today than ever before. It will be even more important in the future as we are faced with increasing interaction between people and their interests which includes many different perceptions about wildlife. Wildlife professionals must change their philosolopy regarding communication with the public about both the positive and negative impacts of wildlife. We can no longer afford the luxury, if indeed we ever could, of avoiding people and their perceptions about wildlife. We must provide scientific, biologically and ecologically sound information in a form which the public …

Cooperative Beaver Control: Usfws-Adc And Private/Industrial Landowners: An Overview, Kim F. Rohr

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Beaver populations in North Miss. and West Tenn. have increased rapidly. Pelt trapping has been the major control method in the past. With low demand and poor prices for southern pelts, this activity is almost nonexistent today.

The Future Of Wildlife Damage Control In An Urban Environment, Gary J. San Julian

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

As the trend towards urbanization escalates, the United States is rapidly becoming a nation of nonfarmers and suburban residents. Consequently, the conflicts between residents and wildlife species are increasing, while the interest in urban wildlife and backyard habitat is growing. These trends, coupled with changes in pesticide regulations, a shortage of trained professionals and relic legislation, create a complex and paradoxical situation for residents and professionals in the area of urban wildlife management. The future of wildlife in the urban environment will depend on our ability to convince and educate wildlife managers, citizens and legislators about the need for control …

The Use Of The T-Culvert Guard To Protect Road Culverts From Plugging Damage By Beavers, K. J. Roblee

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Since 1978 there has been a continual effort by Region 9 of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to develop devices capable of protecting road culverts from plugging damage by beavers (Castor canadensis). Various protective devices were developed. The most successful was the T-culvert guard. Trial installations of T-culvert guards were made at 4 sites experiencing beaver damage. T-culverts consisted of a 4 ft. or larger diameter culvert and a smaller diameter culvert which connected it to the road culvert. Directions for construction, installation and maintenance of T-culverts are given. Costs for a typical 4 ft. …

Status Of Mesurol® As A Bird Repellent For Cherries And Other Fruit Crops, Mark E. Tobin, Richard A. Dolbeer

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A single application of Mesurol at 1.5 lb (Al) /ac to ripening cherries reduced bird damage in a field test in the mid-Hudson Valley of New York, 1986. Treated trees averaged 8.9% damage compared to 17.5% damage for untreated trees. An average of 7.4 birds flew into treated blocks per 15-min count versus an average of 19.8 birds that flew into control blocks. These results support the various evaluations over the past 15 years of Mesurol as a bird repellent for fruit crops. The consensus of these tests is that Mesurol often provides an effective nonlethal means of reducing conflicts …

A Method For Assessing Blackbird Damage To Ripening Rice, Robert G. Wright, Keith A. Arnold, Michael O. Way

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A method for measuring and mapping the location of blackbird (Icterinae) damage to ripening rice over time was developed and employed in 7 commercial rice fields ranging from 20.6 to 47.4 ha in Matagorda County, Texas, during the 1985 and 1986 growing seasons. Ten evenly-spaced transects were established perpendicular to the longest side of the field and each transect was sampled at pre-determined distances. Transects were subdivided into "edge" ( < = 60 m from field border) and "middle" ( > 60 m from the field border) strata. The measured percent damage was compared to visual estimates for 3 samplings to assess the accuracy and precision of the latter. Measuring the …

The Economic Impact Of Wildlife Damage On Hudson Valley Orchards, M. Phillips, C. G. Forshey, G. B. White, M. E. Richmond

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The impact of wildlife damage on the profitability of apple farming in New York's Hudson Valley was determined by use of a Standard Net Present Value (NPV) analysis as a means to measure long-term impact. Data were gathered through questionnaire and interview of a stratified random sample of 39 growers that represented 17% of the regional growers. Data concerning species causing damage, extent of wildlife damage and types of controls used were combined with current and long-range costs including revenue lost through damage and control costs. Limitations of the analysis are discussed along with results that indicate an annual equivalent …

Status Of The Coyote In The Northeastern United States, Robert E. Chambers

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

This report represents a summary of information derived from responses to mail questionnaires from the state wildlife agencies in 16 northern states extending from Maine to Minnesota with minor modifications by the author where experience deemed it feasible.

Use Of Drc 1339 To Control Crows In Three Roosts In Kentucky And Arkansas, Frank L. Boyd, Douglas I. Hall

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Field tests utilizing DRC 1339 (3-chloro-4-methylbenzamine hydrochloride) 98% concentrate on whole kernel com for crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) control were conducted in January and February 1981 in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1982 in Ashdown, Arkansas. Treated bait was placed in staging areas near the roosts after prebaiting indicated good acceptance at the sites. The rate of acceptance varied with bait placement. Best results were obtained when bait was placed on bare ground at habitually used staging areas close to the roost site. Population reductions of up to 25% were obtained with limited baiting. DRC 1339 appears to …

The Problem Of Planting Louisiana Swamplands When Nutria (Myocastor Coypu) Are Present, W. H. Conner, J. R. Toliver

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Logging of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) in the swamps of the southeastern United States is once again becoming common and an area of particular concern in Louisiana is the regeneration of cypress in its natural environment. One way to ensure the proper stocking of cypress is to plant seedlings, but nutria usually damage or destroy newly planted seedlings and are a deterrent to cypress regeneration in flooded areas. In 1985 cypress seedlings were planted in a flooded logged area and in an area where flooding was preventing the establishment of natural seedlings. Nutria destroyed 86% of the seedlings in …

Frogs Captured In Green Bean Harvest: Analysis Of A Pest Problem, Donald F. Caccamise

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In southern New Jersey a new agricultural pest problem has seriously impacted production of green beans for plant processing. Newly acquired harvesters inadvertently capture frogs, which are difficult and expensive to remove from harvested beans. Goals of this project were to (1) define the biological properties of the pest problem, and (2) identify biologically sound and effective methods to manage the problem.

Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousei fowleri) was the most numerous (82%) of 9 species sorted from harvested beans, and it was also the most common in field censuses (76%). Density estimates based on field censuses were higher …

Rodenticide Use In Agricultural Crops, Terrell P. Salmon

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The in-crop use of pesticides is allowed only after establishment of a crop tolerance with supporting residue data for the crop. Residue data from different regions and pesticide application methods (hand treatment, aerial broadcast, etc.) are required. Most rodenticide uses have been considered as non-crop since they are generally applied in and around rodent burrows and runways. Because of this, rodenticides do not generally have tolerances or residue information for crop use.

Recent inquiries by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a review of current rodenticide labels, and new pesticide laws, suggest the need for reevaluating the question of in-crop use …

Lethal Roost Toxicants For Control Of Starlings And Blackbirds, David L. Otis

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Roosting congregations of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and several blackbird species (Icteridae) cause several millions of dollars in losses to agricultural crops throughout the United States. In addition, they are responsible for a variety of nuisance problems, human and livestock diseases, and human safety hazards. Dozens of tools have been developed for alleviating these problems, some of which are nonlethal techniques aimed at either roost dispersal or site specific protection of the problem site. Lethal baiting techniques for use at staging areas or at the problem site have also been developed. However, the most controversial solution involves …