Wisconsin's Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program (WDACP)
Land Use |
Cropland, Grazing land |
Focus |
Cost-share program, Technical assistance |
Resource Concern |
Wildlife habitat |
Purpose |
The environmental purpose is to provide assistance for crop damage from eligible wildlife species (Deer, geese, bear & Turkey) through the Wildlife Damage Abatement & Claims Program (WDACP). |
Landowner Benefits |
The landowner may receive monetary compensation for crop damage as well as assistance with abatement measures. Monetary payments include $250 deductible and a $15,000 maximum each year. |
Description |
Wisconsin's WDACP is offered by the state and each county determines its participation. Landowners receive crop protection if damage should occur by different wildlife before harvest. Depending on the enrollment option, the WDACP participant may have a hunting access requirement as part of the abatement measures. |
Practices |
Practices include wildlife damage abatement techniques such as hazing, fencing, repellants, and shooting permits. Most abatement materials are provided free to the participant; the participant is required to implement the measures. Permanent 8-foot woven-wire fences are recommended in certain situations and the WDACP provides cost-share to the landowner. |
Costs to Landowner |
Enrollment in the WDACP is free for the participant. WDACP currently pays 75% of the total cost of the permanent 8-foot woven wire fences while the participant would pay 25%. |
Eligibility |
The participant must be the crop owner, enroll properly, control hunting access, and notify the appropriate office within 14-days of the first damage. The participant must allow public hunting access for the enrolled species and maintain a hunting log book (depending on enrollment option). The |
Contract |
The WDACP is an annual program. Participants must re-enroll every year and may enroll before crops are planted that year. |
Other Notes |
Counties can also contract program services with the USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services. Funding for the WDACP is generated by a surcharge for every hunting license, deer bonus tags, and Federal contributions. |
Landowner Initiation |
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