Sheep Industry News May 2024

PDMS CURRENTLY IN OPERATION Most Western states have federally managed PDM pro grams – the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Ser vices, state-managed wildlife damage management programs or county managed PDM programs. Some states such as Montana and Wyoming have a combination of both federal- and county-managed PDM programs. Like any other program, the success of these programs is determined by the knowledge and experience of those overseeing them, the qualities of the employees providing the service, and the availability of funding. FUNDING SOURCES The funding for coyote damage management in many of these programs comes from various sources. These programs rely on a combination of funds derived from self-assessed producer support – i.e. local brand fees on livestock or a per acre assessment as is common in Texas – county funds, state funds and federal funds. South Dakota’s state managed WDM program includes significant funding from sportsmen and women. Adequate funding has always been one of the biggest challenges facing most of these predator damage management programs. In many cases, wildlife also benefit from coyote removal for livestock protection, particularly in cases where coyotes are being removed in places and at a time of the year when deer, antelope and ground nesting birds are being born. Coyote population control in these areas is particularly beneficial Numerous studies have proven this although in many states, wildlife dollars are not funding preda tor control to the levels they should be. Nevada in cludes a predation management fee as part of license applications and Utah provides additional support for predation management in areas where wildlife populations are not meeting objectives. Because the South Dakota program is administered by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, sportsman’s funding is integral to the program and wildlife management objectives are considered statewide. during the years when deer and antelope popula tions are in a mode of recovery following winter or disease die offs.

PDM program leader are: • Predator/coyote damage management field experience. • Excellent communication and people skills. • Political savvy. • Honesty and Integrity. • Solid understanding of predator biology, as well as wild life management principles and practices. • Background/knowledge of agricultural related issues. • Understanding the importance of program accountability and transparency. • Understanding the importance of fostering relations with various stakeholder groups. One absolute necessity for county, state or federal PDM programs is the ability to hire qualified individuals, and the ability to replace those who are not productive. Many of the same qualities of good program leadership are also important for field employees. Some of the most important qualities of a good employee are: • Coyote trapping / hunting experience and knowledge. • Good work ethic. • Honesty and Integrity. • Excellent communication and people skills. • Understanding the importance of accountability. • Background/knowledge in agricultural related issues. • A hunger to continually improve techniques. • Flexibility to work odd/unique hours (this is not a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job). • Willingness to work alone in extreme weather conditions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP The success and/or failure of various PDM programs in recent years have proven to be directly related to the knowledge and the experience of the leaders responsible for overseeing these programs. Some of the most important qualities of an effective

May 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 17