Contents |
Nuisance Wildlife Control Training Manual
Section One Introduction
|
Handbook Contents | Best Practices for Wildlife Operators | How to use this Guide | Learning Objectives| New York DEC Goals | Understanding Nuisance Wildlife | The Business Side | Resources | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
What's this all about?
What's a "best practice"? It's an effective method for solving a nuisance wildlife problem that also minimizes risks to the environment and our health and well-being. This decision-making strategy balances concerns about safety; the humane treatment of wildlife; practicality; landowner rights; the protection of wildlife populations and habitats; and ethical, legal, financial, and aesthetic issues.
There is no "magic pill" for nuisance wildlife control. No single, simple remedy that can be relied upon to solve all of the problems you'll encounter. At times, you may even need a different solution for the "same" problem. Your favorite method for removing a raccoon from a chimney may not work at this particular house, for example, because the roof is too rotted to walk upon. One customer's definition of best practice may differ from another's, too. Often, effective long-term solutions involve the use of several best practices, such as a combination of removal and exclusion. So there's another reason to master many techniques and have a variety of tools available.
Best practices are based on the best available information, which includes scientific knowledge and the field experience of wildlife biologists and nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs). As we learn more and refine the tools and techniques of the trade, best practices just get better and better. That's why we urge you to keep learning throughout your career. For example, you may wish to join a professional organization that puts you in touch with other NWCOs, or read magazines and listserves.
From time to time, you may want to check this website, which will be updated more frequently than the printed manual. We recommend that you bookmark Wildlife Control.info and the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management.
Handbook Contents
Introduction
Best Practices for Wildlife Control
- Assess the Situation
- Choose Management Options
- Tools and Techniques
- Preventing Problems
- Evaluating Success
Professionalism Resources for NWCOs
Disclaimer
This manual was written as a guide to train nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State. Laws and regulations may differ in your state. Always consult local and state laws before implementing wildlife damage management activities.
Contact Information
Contact your local Extension Office
Resources
Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
National Wildlife Control Operator's Association
Wildlife Control
Acknowledgments
We thank the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for contributing this information.
Produced by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program.