The MD of Bonnyville has brought back their coyote and wolf reduction program for another year.
“The MD put this program in place a number of years ago to help livestock producers reduce their predation on livestock from coyotes and wolves,” explained director of ag and waste for the MD Matt Janz.
The program has been ongoing for a few years, and since its inception, has helped reduce the number of predators in the area.
“Ten to 15 years ago, we were issuing a lot of toxicants, or poisons, to producers for predation. Since then, we’ve reduced that down by almost 90 to 95 per cent,” Janz added.“This program does benefit that too, because there was the possibility of non-target animals being killed.”
Before starting the program, some producers were experiencing upwards of 12 animals lost due to predators.
“It seems the biggest problems in the area are the northern fringes where the boreal forest meets the farmlands. A lot of livestock are in that area, plus that’s where the wolves come down to,” detailed Janz. “It’s come down, I think there are still a few losses, but not as many as the previous years.”
In order to qualify for the program, you must be properly licensed to trap, and show proof of permission for hunting on private land.
“It’s set out for residents that belong within the MD. If you live in Cold Lake or the Town of Bonnyville, you’re included in the program,” Janz added.
Between the months of October and March, a resident can receive $15 per coyote and $75 per wolf through the program.
Killed animals are only accepted at the MD’s Agriculture Service Board office Monday to Thursday 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m., and on Fridays from 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
“We don’t keep the animals. We let the person who trapped or shot the coyote or wolf. They get to keep the animal to use the fur. If they don’t want to, we do have people available to take those,” Janz noted.
More information is available on the MD website, or by calling 780-826-3951.
