approved, it is paid from revenue derived from 

 license sales. 



It is Commission policy to not pay damages if 

 the land was posted against hunting during the 

 prior hunting season. Damage assessments are made 

 by wildlife control agents, but county extension 

 agents and neighbors may be asked to assist in the 

 appraisal . 



The Department's philosophy is to solve problems 

 by working with landowners on prevention and to 

 avoid monetary settlements. 



The state spends $1,000,000 annually on its 

 control program, mostly for 28 wildlife control 

 agents. The average cost in 1980-1984 for claims 

 was $10,000. Several larger claims are pending 

 before the legislature, which does not act on 

 claims each year. 



WYOMING 



A statute enacted in 1937 allows a landowner to 

 present to the Department a verified claim within 

 15 days of damage by big game and game birds. The 

 law recognizes damage to crops, stored crops, 

 fences, and extraordinary damage to native grass- 

 lands. 



The landowner may appeal a department decision to 

 the Commission. If a claimant is dissatisfied 

 with a Commission decision, the claimant may 

 request arbitration by a disinterested arbitrator 

 who is an elector residing in the county where the 



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