09-10-2010, 11:10 AM
MONTROSE, Colo. -- Winter is just around the corner and ranchers, farmers, livestock owners and other agricultural businesses are reminded that this is the time to prepare properties in order to prevent winter damage to crops and products by wildlife.
Through its game damage prevention program, the Colorado Division of Wildlife works with landowners and agricultural producers to provide a variety of fencing and protection materials. To determine eligibility for participating in the program, producers should contact the nearest DOW office. A district wildlife manager will visit your property to discuss damage issues, protective solutions and techniques, and requirements and eligibility for participating in the program.
"This is a great time to think about how to protect crops and hay stacks," said Mark Caddy, game damage coordinator for the DOW. "By installing and repairing fences before the weather gets too cold and the snow flies, agricultural producers can save themselves a lot of hassle and thousands of dollars."
For those eligible, the DOW will deliver the materials at no charge directly to the building site. It is the responsibility of the landowner or producer to assemble and maintain protective fences.
Game damage protection is provided, primarily, to farmers, ranchers, livestock owners, beekeepers, and orchard and nursery owners who operate businesses. Cooperators also must be willing to allow some hunting on their properties - if it can be safely accommodated - for the species causing the damage.
Those already participating in the program should inspect their protective enclosures now to make sure there are no weak spots or breaks. If there are problems, materials can be ordered to make the repairs.
Those who are not participating in the DOW program but who are concerned about possible game damage problems should call their local DOW office right away.
J Wenum, area wildlife manager in Gunnison, said that helping ranchers protect hay is a high priority for the DOW. Elk can cause significant problems when they get into hay stacks during the winter. Specially designed stack yard enclosures provide protection that can last for years.
"Building a stack yard is not an absolute cure-all, but it is a significant step in lessening conflicts," Wenum said. "Elk are like most animals, if they are not getting the reward of a food source, they're going to move on."
To learn about the DOW's game damage program, call the nearest DOW office. You'll be contacted by a district wildlife manager who will start the process for enrolling in the program.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
Through its game damage prevention program, the Colorado Division of Wildlife works with landowners and agricultural producers to provide a variety of fencing and protection materials. To determine eligibility for participating in the program, producers should contact the nearest DOW office. A district wildlife manager will visit your property to discuss damage issues, protective solutions and techniques, and requirements and eligibility for participating in the program.
"This is a great time to think about how to protect crops and hay stacks," said Mark Caddy, game damage coordinator for the DOW. "By installing and repairing fences before the weather gets too cold and the snow flies, agricultural producers can save themselves a lot of hassle and thousands of dollars."
For those eligible, the DOW will deliver the materials at no charge directly to the building site. It is the responsibility of the landowner or producer to assemble and maintain protective fences.
Game damage protection is provided, primarily, to farmers, ranchers, livestock owners, beekeepers, and orchard and nursery owners who operate businesses. Cooperators also must be willing to allow some hunting on their properties - if it can be safely accommodated - for the species causing the damage.
Those already participating in the program should inspect their protective enclosures now to make sure there are no weak spots or breaks. If there are problems, materials can be ordered to make the repairs.
Those who are not participating in the DOW program but who are concerned about possible game damage problems should call their local DOW office right away.
J Wenum, area wildlife manager in Gunnison, said that helping ranchers protect hay is a high priority for the DOW. Elk can cause significant problems when they get into hay stacks during the winter. Specially designed stack yard enclosures provide protection that can last for years.
"Building a stack yard is not an absolute cure-all, but it is a significant step in lessening conflicts," Wenum said. "Elk are like most animals, if they are not getting the reward of a food source, they're going to move on."
To learn about the DOW's game damage program, call the nearest DOW office. You'll be contacted by a district wildlife manager who will start the process for enrolling in the program.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.