Coyote and Wolf reduction program underway in M.D. of Bonnyville

The push to reduce the number of predators within the M.D. of Bonnyville is back on.

The Coyote and Wolf Reduction program began Nov. 1 by the M.D. of Bonnyville which pays hunters to keep predator levels down so livestock can thrive.

That’s why the program started years ago, said M.D. Matt Janz.

“We see the benefits of having the program kind of keep the healthy population of coyotes and wolves in the area. A little less disease because maybe people do harvest a few more of them and we do see the benefits of less predation from the livestock,” said Janz.

Hunters who bring in these predators will receive $15 for every coyote and $75 for every wolf.

Janz said landowners give positive feedback on the program even within the M.D. subdivisions.

“We find that in years that we haven’t had the program, the coyote numbers in the subdivisions become higher, so we’ve actually seen less complaining where a dog has been killed by either coyotes and stuff.

“We feel that maybe with the added pressure of people going out to hunt coyotes, they just don’t get so brave and they don’t come within the subdivisions. So we just see other kinds of perks to the program also,” said Janz.

Residents must bring the carcasses to the ASB/Public Works Shop north of Bonnyville from 7:30am-8:00am and from 3:00pm-4:00pm to receive payment or call 780-826-3951.

The program ends March 31.