Open houses set to discuss Utah's Predator-Control Incentive program

A new effort is underway to help mule deer in Utah.

Reducing and controlling coyotes in areas inhabited by mule deer is the goal of Utah's Predator-Control Incentive program. You can learn more about the program at the DWR's website or by attending an open house.

Photo by Lynn Chamberlain

The effort is called the Predator-Control Incentive program. The program has one goal: To reduce and control the number of coyotes in areas in Utah that are inhabited by mule deer.

And you can help: Participants in the new program will receive $50 for each coyote that is submitted according to the rules of the program.

The incentive program is part of the Mule Deer Protection Act. As soon as the Utah Legislature passed the act during its 2012 legislative session, Division of Wildlife Resources offices were flooded with questions from coyote hunters who wanted to know more.

Since the session ended, John Shivik, mammals coordinator for the DWR, says the DWR and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food have worked closely together to craft the program. "We're to the point now that we're ready to share the program with the public," Shivik says.

If you're interested in helping the deer herds and making some money, you can learn more about the program one of two ways:

• Read a fact sheet that explains the program. Starting May 21, the sheet will be available at wildlife.utah.gov/predators.
• Attend one of three open houses that will be held during the last week in May. "At the open houses," Shivik says, "various displays will be available that will walk you through how the program works. The program isn't very complicated, but we'll still be available to visit with you and answer any questions you have."

The following is the open house schedule:

• Cedar City
  May 29
  6:30–8 p.m.
  Crystal Inn
  1575 W. 200 N
• Price
  May 30
  6:30–8 p.m.
  Division of Wildlife Resources office
  319 N. Carbonville Road, Suite A
• Salt Lake City
  May 31
  6:30–8 p.m.
  Division of Wildlife Resources office
  1594 W. North Temple