WHEREAS large numbers of coyotes continue to be a problem for agricultural producers and residents of Saskatchewan; and

WHEREAS the expansion of the provincial Wildlife Damage Compensation Program to provide compensation for producers affected by coyotes does not get to the root of the problem which is over population;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM request the Ministry of Agriculture to implement a coyote reduction program with a bounty on coyotes as soon as possible.

Response from Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister of Agriculture:

The Minister of Agriculture recognizes the importance of removing predator animals, but there are no plans to implement a coyote reduction program at this time.

Producers experiencing predation issues are able to access prevention and compensation programming through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). The Wildlife Damage Compensation Program provides compensation to producers for injury or death to eligible livestock, fowl, or specialty animals by predators.

On the recommendation of an SCIC adjuster, a predation specialist can be hired to assess the situation and take steps to eliminate the predator problem. These predation specialists are experienced hunters and trappers who can provide effective control of problem wildlife. They can also provide advice and help develop strategies to help protect livestock from further attacks.