Wildlife Damage Claim Program

Sauk County is participating in the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claim Program. This program is funded through hunting license fees, and is designed to help prevent crop damage due to deer, geese, bear, and now turkeys. The program will provide abatement assistance, including shooting permits, to reduce damage and will also pay some compensation for damage to crops.

The program tries to deter as much damage as possible and the key to doing this is to act early. Deer can be damaging alfalfa crops as soon as the crown appears from under the snow. This damage to the crown can result in long term yield reductions. Damage to corn can occur when deer pull out seedlings or bite off tender silks. The program can help if you are having damage or even anticipate damage based on prior years. Again, the key is to act early. Program administration is contracted to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services. They can be contacted at 1 (800) 433-0663.