Perceptions of American agricultural producers about wildlife on their farms and ranches

Perceptions of U.S. agricultural producers about wildlife were examined by distributing questionnaires in 1993 and 1994 to 2,000 farmers and ranchers: 1,000 selected from a random list maintained by Survey Sampling, Inc., and 1,000 contacted through county offices of the U.S. Department of Agricultu re's Farm Service Agency. One thousand three hundred forty-seven usable que stionnaires were returned. Most respondents (51%) purposely managed for wil dlife on their farm or ranch. Activities included providing cover for wildl ife near fields (reported by 39% of the respondents), providing a water sou rce (38%), leaving crop residue in the field (36%), leaving a portion of th e crop unharvested (17%), and providing salt licks (12%). In the prior year , respondents spent a mean of $223 (SE = $24) and 14 hours (SE = 1) to help or encourage wildlife on their property. Most respondents (77%) allowed hu nting on their property; 5% charged hunters a fee. Most respondents (80%) s uffered wildlife damage in the year prior to the survey, and 53% reported t hat damage exceeded their tolerance. Respondents spent a mean of 43.6 hours and $1,002 in the prior year trying to solve or prevent wildlife damage. D espite these efforts, 54% of respondents reported >$500 in losses annually from wildlife damage. Because their losses were so severe, 24% said they we re reluctant to provide habitat for wildlife, and 38% said they would oppos e the creation of a wildlife sanctuary near their property. Problems were c aused most often by deer (Odocoileus spp.; listed by 53% of all respondents ), raccoons (Procyon lotor; 25%), coyotes (Canis latrans; 24%), and ground hogs (Marmota spp.; 21%). Regional differences were found in wildlife enhan ce ment practices, hunter access, and species causing problems, but not in the extent of wildlife damage.