Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Date of this Version
1973
Citation
Published in Proceedings of Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop, December 10, 11, and 12, 1973, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. Edited by F. Robert Henderson.
Abstract
With the curtailment of a service type predator control program that existed in Arkansas for 29 years, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 1970 initiated a Nuisance Animal Control Section within the framework of the Commissions' Game Division. This extension - demonstration type wildlife control unit was named such because of the increase in rodent control (beaver and muskrat) within the state. Their numbers were spawned by the habitat inhancement in the delta and timber growing regions of Arkansas.
A Game Biologist visited the Missouri Department of Conservation and observed the technique of their predator control agent. With ideas patterned after their methods, we adopted the extension type animal control program. A joint "Memorandum of Understanding" with the Arkansas Agriculture Extension Service was adopted in 1970. Their department has continued to coordinate educational meetings in conjunction with specific landowner - nuisance animal related problems.
The Commission now employs four Nuisance Animal Control Trappers three of whom are remnants of the service type era. These men upon request exhibit proper control methods to ranchers, poultry and timber growers. We work closely with County Agents and have radio contact with 130 Wildlife Enforcement Officers, who can advise persons experiencing wildlife damage of our availability. Complaint letters are forwarded to the Supervisor of the program and usually a telephone call is necessary to evaluate the justification of a trapper's visit. A recent mail survey indicated an 80% favorable response toward this type of system.