Information for the Guidance of Field Men and Cooperators of the Bureau of Biological Survey Engaged in the Control of Injurious Rodents and Predatory Animals

by Paul G. Redington; Stanley Paul Young

The handling of poisons should be intrusted only to properly trained men working under the supervision of the Bureau of Biological Survey.

Poison stations set for coyotes and wolves should be placed away from the timbered and well-watered areas that are frequented by foxes, raccoons, skunks, minks, and other valuable forms of carnivorous animals.

In many agricultural sections poisons should not be used at all because of the obvious risks.

The methods of handling poisons developed and used by the Biological Survey can be employed most effectively and economically in controlling predatory animals at proper seasons in regions where conditions are favorable. Poison is especially suitable for winter use against predators on some of the great stock ranges of the West, as it can then be employed with little or no danger to useful life. The cost of the same measure of control by any other known means would be practically prohibitive.

The control of predatory animals is an exceedingly difficult and costly task, and the use of poisons in this work, particularly under experienced supervision, materially reduces the expense. When properly used, poison should not be more destructive to other species than the use of traps, and in some cases it has been found to be even less harmful and more humane.

Hunters should take every precaution to protect harmless and valuable mammals and birds and should be familiar with the antidotes for each poison used.

Only strychnine as processed by the Biological Survey should be used in operations against predatory mammals, because it can be handled safely, is constant in effect, and, since it kills quickly, its action is humane.

Baits made of small pieces of perishable fat should be used almost to the exclusion of others by field men and cooperators of the bureau. They should be systematically placed about "decoy stations" consisting of carcasses of worn-out horses or other useless animals or pieces of meat. Wherever possible they should be placed in slight depressions and covered with thin flat stones, pieces of hide, or other light material, as coyotes and wolves can easily detect them under such cover, but they are thus made inaccessible to birds.

Stations where poison is placed should be posted to warn owners of stock or valuable dogs of the danger. Conspicuous warning signs such as those furnished by the Bureau of Biological Survey in its cooperative work should be used for the purpose.