[INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING FIELD PRACTICES]
The underlying policy of the Biological Survey with regard to injurious species of wild animals has been and will continue to be one of control rather than complete eradication. The bureau is not embarked upon a general extermination program, but with every proper consideration for conservation interests, it has as its objective in this field the adequate local control of injurious mammals, so that the burdensome losses suffered by farmers and stock raisers may be reduced to the minimum and beneficial forms of wild life protected from undue destruction by their natural enemies. Though in some cases this may mean local eradication of harmful forms, it will not result in the general extermination of any species.
CONSERVATION, STATE LAWS, AND COOPERATION
The Bureau of Biological Survey is an organization primarily and vitally interested in the conservation and protection of all forms of wild life, particularly where they are more beneficial than harmful. Those engaged under its direction in the control of predatory animals and injurious rodents are instructed to cooperate closely with Federal, State, and local officials intrusted with the administration of wild-life protective laws. They must also observe State and local laws regarding the protection of life and property, the exposing of poisons, and the trapping or otherwise endangering of valuable species. Control operations on State and private lands must be conducted in close cooperation with State officials and with property owners and tenants.
PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING POISONS
Since poison may be dangerous in the hands of inexperienced and incompetent persons, every possible precaution must be taken when it is used in control operations, to safeguard persons, domestic stock, and harmless and beneficial wild life.
Poisons should not be exposed on private lands without the consent of the owners.
Control workers should familiarize themselves with appropriate antidotes for poisons used and be in a position to administer them promptly should the necessity arise.