Utah's Predator Control Program.
http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/hunting/hunting-information/762
Utah's Predator Control Program
This year, in addition to maintaining an aggressive predator-management policy, Utah DWR is implementing a predator control program that provides incentives for members of the public to remove coyotes. Participants in this new program will receive $50 for each properly documented coyote that they kill in Utah.
When does the program begin?
You may register for the program starting July 1, 2012. There are no restrictions on removal dates after the program has begun, but reimbursements will not begin until after Sept. 1, 2012.
How do I register for the program?
To register and receive compensation for coyote removal, you must follow the program rules and guidelines. Specifically, you must:
1.Complete the online training and registration that will be available on the Utah DWR web page starting July 1, 2012.
2.Present the coyote and the properly filled out compensation form to the DWR. The compensation form must include the GPS location where the coyote was taken, the identity of the person who took it, and the date of removal.
3.Check in the coyote's lower jaw and either the full pelt or the scalp (with both ears attached). Coyote ears will be marked by the DWR to prevent double payments. Disposal of carcasses is the responsibility of the program participant.
4.Check in coyotes only at designated sites and on designated days and times. Check-in sites and procedures will be listed on this Web page before Sept. 1, 2012.
5.Follow all rules and regulations related to trapping and firearm use, as detailed in the 2012–2013 Utah Furbearer Guidebook and the Predator Control Incentives Rule R657-64, Utah Code and local law.
Why is location important in removal efforts?
The recommended coyote removal zone is based on the boundaries of areas that are important to deer. Coyotes primarily kill fawns and can produce more than six pups per year. They have high reproductive potential and can be difficult to hunt. It will be impossible to remove all coyotes from Utah, even with a large effort by the public. Although any coyote taken in Utah can be submitted for compensation, the DWR is recommending specific areas and dates when coyote removal has the greatest potential for benefiting mule deer. A statewide map (
http://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/predator_program_map.pdf ) identifies areas where control should be targeted to provide the most benefit to mule deer.
Why is timing important in removal efforts?
Coyotes mate during the winter, usually January and February. The most effective control efforts will remove coyotes after pair bonds and territories are set, and before pups are raised. Coyote removal is less effective in late summer. That is when coyotes typically wander and disperse, often dying of natural causes in their attempts to find new territories. Recommended removal dates (December through June) are timed so that the majority of removals are after coyotes have established territories but before pups can be raised, or when deer are fawning. It is during these periods that deer populations are most susceptible to coyote predation. For the greatest benefit to mule deer, coyotes should be removed in the recommended locations and season.
Are there key dates related to this program?
If you’re interested in joining the new program, please keep the following dates in mind:
July 1, 2012 — You can begin registering for the program.
Sept. 1, 2012 — Coyote reimbursements will begin after this date.
December–June — The DWR recommends removing coyotes during this timeframe (see above)
How will the Predator Control Program benefit mule deer?
The severity of weather and the amount of forage available are usually the most important factors that limit deer numbers. If the weather is mild and the habitat is good, then removing predators could increase the number of fawns that survive. More fawns could help to stimulate an increase in mule deer numbers. If there is not enough good habitat or there is a harsh winter, then fawns may die from other causes besides coyotes, and predator removal won’t help deer populations to grow.
How will the DWR evaluate the effectiveness of this program?
An assessment of the program is necessary to determine if the money spent compensating for coyote removal has resulted in lower coyote numbers, improved fawn-to-doe ratios and higher numbers of mule deer. The DWR will track locations where coyotes are being effectively removed and identify areas where additional removal is necessary.
Will the DWR protect my privacy?
Utah has privacy-protection laws that the DWR will follow in implementing this program.
I've heard rumors about targeted contracts to remove coyotes. Does this option exist?
Not yet. The Mule Deer Protection Act also calls for the DWR to create a more targeted program that uses contractors to remove coyotes from areas where it may help deer. The DWR will use information gathered during the first year of the program to identify areas where additional coyote removal is needed. Then, the DWR will use reports of coyotes taken by individuals to identify a list of preferred vendors who can be contracted to remove coyotes from targeted areas. Clear and accurate reporting is essential.
How can I learn more about this program?
If you have questions or comments about how the program will work, please send them to PredatorIncentives@utah.gov.
What predator-related legislation passed in 2012?
The Utah Legislature passed two predator-related bills in 2012. The first bill, Predator Control Funding (Senate Bill 87), adds a $5 fee to all Utah big game hunting permits. The money will fund a program to control populations of predatory animals that endanger the health of Utah's non-predatory wildlife.
The second bill, Mule Deer Protection Act (Senate Bill 245), allocates general funding to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources ($500,000) and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food ($250,000). The legislation directs our agencies to work together — and with other government entities — to administer programs that reduce and control coyote populations, particularly in areas where predation of mule deer occurs.
When did the new laws go into effect?
Governor Gary Herbert signed both bills into law on March 17, and the funding will be available on July 1, 2012.
When will the $5 fee be added to the cost of big game permits?
The $5 fee for predator control will be added to all big game permits, starting with the 2012 antlerless permits and any remaining big game permits sold after July 1, 2012.
