St. Paul – The County of St. Paul is bringing back its Predator Management Incentive Program, with up to ,000 in grant funding available to help reduce livestock losses caused by coyotes and wolves.

During its October 27 council meeting, council approved entering into a funding agreement with the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS), allowing the program to operate from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

Under the agreement, eligible participants will receive $20 per coyote and $250 per wolf, following standardized incentive rates APOS sets for participating municipalities.

The funding comes through the APOS Wildlife Management Fund, so the County will not need to contribute additional municipal dollars unless council decides to extend the program beyond the available grant funding.

Program aims to reduce livestock losses

The decision follows discussions at the County’s Agricultural Service Board meeting in June, where members considered the benefits of continuing predator management efforts to protect local livestock producers.

The board directed administration to investigate external funding opportunities.

APOS subsequently offered to extend funding from the County’s previous Predator Management Incentive Program through a new agreement.

Administration explained that the original program had used only a portion of its approved grant funding, allowing the organization to offer a new agreement rather than requiring an entirely new funding application.

The original application was submitted in partnership with the St. Paul Fish and Game Association, which has confirmed its continued support for the initiative.

Standardized incentives for participating municipalities

As part of the new agreement, APOS is asking municipalities to adopt a consistent predator management framework, including the same incentive rates.

During council’s discussion, administration noted that neighbouring municipalities are also participating in similar programs.

Councillors discussed the funding structure and whether the County would need to contribute additional dollars.

Administration confirmed that up to $13,000 is available through the APOS grant. If the funding is exhausted before the program ends, council would have to approve additional municipal funding for the program to continue.

Council approved administration’s recommendation to proceed with the available grant funding, and the motion carried.

The program will run through March 31, 2027, unless available funding is exhausted earlier.