From bobw@ncatfyv.uark.eduFri Jun 16 23:59:31 1995 Date: Tue, 13 Jun 1995 18:54:58 -0500 (CDT) From: Bob Wilson To: Sustainable Agriculture Subject: Predator Appreciation Days Dear members of SANET: I saw this note from Extension Agent Dale Rollins come across another listserver (WDAMAGE). He talks about an excellent program they have put together down there to have farmers, landowners, and others explore the role of predators in farming landscapes. I contacted Dale and asked if I could crosspost his note, to which he agreed. If you would like more information about these kinds of proactive events, please contact Dale Rollins at his email address below. Bob Wilson bobw@ncatfyv.uark.edu Fayetteville, Arkansas USA ================================================================ Forwarded message: > Date: Fri, 9 Jun 1995 14:47:18 -0500 > From: Dale Rollins > Subject: Predator Appreciation Days WDAMAGE Subscribers, As the old shrimper asked Forrest Gump when Gump shelled out $25,000 for an old shrimping rig "are you crazy, or just plain stupid." That was the reaction that I got from several colleagues, county Extension agents and superiors last year when I began to plan for a series of educational programs called "Predator Appreciation Days" (PADs). However, after just completing the 6th and final program, I am proud to report that I'm still alive and not suspended with my feet tied to a fence post along a west Texas road. Some of you may find this programming concept applicable to your region if predators are as controversial as they are in west Texas (the heart of sheep and goat production in the U.S.) with a very conservative clientele. A PAD is a full day (7 hours) of training aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of predator biology, ecology, and "sociology" (i.e., human dimensions). The "appreciation" theme focuses in on "to judge with heightened perception" or "to become sensitively aware of." We reached a total of nearly 1,000 producers (>95% agricultural, mostly ranchers) during the six meetings. The good crowds were due in part to the fact that the PADs offered 6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units that are required of all private pesticide applicators in Texas). Comments and evaluations were as positive as any I've received in 12 years of extension education. Many ranches commented that they "appreciated" the opportunity to receive CEUs on subject matter more useful to them than, e.g., IPM in cotton. I only know of one animal activist in attendance (at the 1st meeting in Ozona, TX). A reporter from Friends of Animals attended, and privately said he "appreciated" what we were trying to do. His appreciation didn't extend to his newsletter report however! A typical PAD began with a lab "practical" on interpreting physical evidence of predation, complete with a 25 question test, just to get everyone in the right frame of mind (i.e., having them realize they don't know everything about the subject!). From there we have slide presentation covering the biology of common predators in the area, including coyotes, bobcats, fox, mt. lion, feral hogs, and raptors. Hands-on demonstrations of control alternatives are given, including both lethal and non-lethal approaches. One special topic included the role of predators in zoonoses (particularly rabies). About two hours of the curriculum is taught via videotapes, including topics on Livestock Protection Collars, feral swine, using livestock guarding dogs, and illicit use of pesticides for predator control. User ethics are discussed (per Robert Schmidt's preliminary "code of ethics for wildlife damage professionals" as amended by me to address predators specifically). Finally, the day ends with a viewing of the video "A Matter of Perspective" which hopefully puts the whole day's activities in perspective. PADs were joint ventures of TAEX, Texas Animal Damage Control Service, and the Texas Dept. Health. We're contemplating modifying the PAD concept and taking it to an urban audience (e.g. Austin). Are we crazy, or just plain stupid? Please let me know if I can provide additional information for assisting you in conducting PADs in your region. Dale Rollins Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas Agricultural Extension Service San Angelo d-rollins@tamu.edu