Wild ungulate damage: Perceptions of farmers and ranchers in Montana
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Authors: L. R. Irby, J. Saltiel, W. E. Zidack, and J. B. Johnson
Date: 1997
Journal: Wildlife Society Bulletin
Volume: 25
Number: 2
Pages: 320-329
Summary of Methods: In 1993 a Montana Farm and Ranch Survey of 1,120 commercial farms and ranches within Montana was conducted between February and March. Three pages of the survey questions focused on opinions about the damage caused by, management of, and population status of four wild ungulate species (pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer) in Montana.
Article Summary / Main Points: Over 90% of landowners had wild ungulates on their property, with half of the respondents complaining of crop/pasture damage due to wildlife grazing, especially during summer and winter. Of the landowners whom allowed hunting on their property, those that reported wildlife damage encouraged hunting on their land. Responses showed both deer species were tolerated more than either antelope or elk, despite causing most of the reported damage. Results suggest that agricultural operators are relatively tolerant to moderate damage caused by wild ungulates.
Vegetation Types: All Vegetation Types
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Rangelands Ungulates
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: agriculture, damage, deer, elk, montana, perceptions, pronghorns
Annotation: This is a documented case history and has limited applicability outside the Montana region. The main limitation of the survey is that only large farms were considered and small farms were under represented in the study. Additionally, the survey only accounts for the opinions and perceptions of the respondent and is not based on actual wildlife statistics.
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