PREDATOR CONTROL 



Predator control is a tool that can be used in game management. 

 However, before using predator control measures careful studies must 

 be made to determine all of the limiting factors which influence game 

 populations. If predation on game is found to be an important cause 

 of mortality in keeping a game population below the carrying capacity 

 of its habitat, then predator control expenditures may be justified. 



The Fish and Game Department has conducted only limited jireda- 

 tor control programs for game management purposes. It contributes 

 funds toward the predator control program conducted by the Fish and 

 Wildlife Service in cooperation with the State Livestock Commission 

 and the Game Department. The State Fish and Game Director is a 

 member of the Advisory Committee which makes recommendations 

 to the State Livestock Commission for the predator control program 

 in the State. 



The present control program does not reach into many of the 

 game areas of the State. Before control measures are used on some 

 of the public lands, the managing agency rcciuires that game popula- 

 tions must be under the rated carrying capacity' of the habitat and 

 utilization of game by hunters must be sufficient keep populations in 

 balance with the range. 



The Commission has continued to pay bounties on mountain lions 

 and bobcats. In an effort to help promote projects for sportsmen's 

 clubs, the Commission reimburses sportsmen's clubs for one-half the 

 bounty paid on crows and magpies but not to exceed 10c per bird. 



— 48 



