Significant damage undoubtedly occurs in 15 or 20 other States 
that have large populations of big game. The total may be several 
million dollars. However, when measured in proportion to the 
value of all agriculture commodities produced, it would only 
constitute a very small fraction of one percent. For this reason 
and also because of values of these species as game, the Fish 
and Wildlife Service believes that net damage by big game is too 
small a factor to warrant inclusion in the report totals. 
Damage by Birds 
_ In recent years considerable attention has been focused on 
damage caused by migratory birds. The damage reported runs the 
gamit from scoter predations on scallop beds to woodpecker damage 
to powerline poles. However, of major concern to the smerican 
farmer are crop losses caused by ducks, geese, coots, and black- 
birds. Bird depredations occur in at least 20 States. The amount 
of damage varies from year to year, reaching serious proportions 
in certain areas about 3 years out of 10. Thus far most of the 
crop losses have been reported in North and South Dakota and 
California. In the Dakotas the problem concerns primarily fall 
populations of migrating ducks, whereas in California the losses 
are charged to wintering populations of birds. In all three 
States, however, the farming practices lend themselves to depre= 
dations. This is especially true in North and South Dakota, 
where much of the wheat crop is swathed before it is combined. 
Crop losses through migratory-bird depredations can be likened 
to crop losses from floods. If one farms in a river valley, he 
knows that the flood hazard is present during certain periods 
of the year. If one swathes down small grain in parts of North 
Dakota, he must also recognize that a depredation hazard is pre= 
sent. Generally speaking, however, crops lost to migratory birds 
throughout the United States are minor compared with the total 
production, although such losses are important to the individual 
farmer. 
The Branch of Game Management within the Fish and Wildlife 
Service is charged with the responsibility of aiding property 
owners in reducing losses caused by birds, and expends approxi-e 
mately $65,000 per year for that purpose. Included in this 
figure are salaries and expenses of personnel assigned to 
depredation-control work, plus the cost of pyrotechnics and 
other scaring devices purchased for use during the year. Thus 
far the cost for firearms and pyrotechnics used in the program 
has been slight, inasmuch as surplus military weapons, flares, 
and simulated grenades have been made available for such use 
by the Armed Forces. In addition to these funds, the Branch 
of Wildlife Refuges expends between $300,000 and $l,00,000 per 
year in the production of migratory-bird foods to alleviate 
depredations. 
- 179 - 
