These coyotes were removed from an area where the department has released a 

 group of mountain sheep. Predator-control programs so directed are beneficial. 



Predator Control 



The Commission contributed over fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) 

 towards the control of predatory animals and predatory birds during 

 the biennium. For the year ending April 30, 1947, the commission spent 

 approximately $14,000 to control pi'edators, approximately half of which 

 was used to pay salaries and expenses of government trappers under a 

 co-operative predator control program with the Fish and Wildlife Service 

 and the State Livestock Commission. For the year ending April 30, 

 1948, the Commission's contribution toward predator control jumped 

 to approximately $37,000. Of this amount approximately $27,000 was 

 spent for salaries and expenses of government trappers under the co- 

 operative predator control program. The Commission continued to pay 

 one-half the bounty claims of the State Livestock Commission until 

 July 1, 1947 when bounty payments as provided for in Chapter 112, 

 Laws of 1947, ceased. The Predatory Animal Advisory Committee then 

 became active as provided for in Chapter 113, Laws of 1947. 



The direct payment of bounties on mountain lions and bobcats to 

 applicants was continued by the Fish and Game Commission. During 

 this period the Commission also gave financial assistance to spoilsmen's 

 organizations by offering to pay one-half of the funds expended by such 

 organization to control crows and magpies, not to exceed 10 cents per 

 bird. The cost of such assistance was approximately $2,000 for the year 

 ending April 30, 1948. After receiving proven reports that golden eagles 

 were causing severe losses to antelope and other wildlife in Carter and 

 Powder River counties, the Commission authorized payment of a $5 

 bounty on golden eagles killed in these counties during March and April, 

 1948. During these two months two hundred and ninety claims for 

 bounty on eagles were paid. 



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