Controlling Damage Caused by Wildlife

Missouri Department of Conservation

Although most people enjoy viewing and interacting with wildlife, conflicts may occur between people and animals under certain conditions. Given the wrong circumstances, almost any species of wildlife can become a nuisance. While a temporary nuisance can be tolerated, other problems require action.

Serious losses of livestock and poultry, crop damage and structural damage to personal property caused by animals require direct action. Wild predators sometimes prey on domestic animals. Beaver and muskrat may weaken levees or plug drainages. Deer can eat crops when their densities are high. Such losses can be controlled through services available from the MU Extension Wildlife Damage Control Program operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The services of the conservation department's wildlife damage control agent are available to landowners throughout the state. The service is free, and you can get it by writing the Conservation Department or by contacting any of its employees, such as your county conservation agent.

Together, you and the wildlife damage control agent evaluate damage and determine the best ways to prevent future damage. The agent will show you how and where to trap the problem animal. If trapping isn't the best solution to your problem, the agent will demonstrate other techniques.

The Department conducts training sessions designed to help you handle problems on your own. Training ordinarily requires a half to one day. Following the training session, a bulletin describing the techniques demonstrated is made available to you. Experience shows this method of hands-on experience, reinforced with instructive manuals, is the best way to learn. Most landowners find that the bulletins are a valuable reference.

There is no charge for the services of the wildlife damage agent. You, however, are charged for equipment used. Traps, snares and scare devices are available at about cost. Gas canisters to control burrowing animals, some trapping scents and reference manuals are free to trainees.

This program has been in operation in Missouri since 1945, and most trainees are able to stop their damage problems. If you have difficulty trapping effectively, the agent will return upon request to provide more individual attention and assistance.

The program is directed toward training landowners in trapping predatory wildlife, but the agent can also provide training assistance in controlling damage caused by beaver, groundhogs, muskrat and other problem wildlife.

To obtain this service write:

Missouri Department of Conservation
Wildlife Services Section
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102

In making the request, provide your name and address and the kind of livestock or crop being damaged. An agent will arrange to visit you at a time convenient to you. Assistance almost always can be provided within two weeks of request.

G9425, revised December 1987