Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program

(s. 29.889, Wis. Stats.)

Funding is available to establish a county-administered wildlife damage abatement and claims program to assist landowners that have excessive levels of agricultural crop damage from deer, bear, geese, or turkeys. Counties must pass a resolution endorsing participation and complete a DNR approved plan of administration to be eligible for funding. 100 percent of county administration costs and 75 percent of abatement project costs are reimbursable. If funding is sufficient, damage claims ($250 deductible) up to $15,000 may also be paid.

Damage eligible for wildlife damage claim payments includes:

• Damage to commercial seedlings or crops growing on agricultural land.
• Damage to crops that have been harvested for sale or further use but have not been removed from the agricultural land.
• Damage to orchard trees, christmas trees or nursery stock.
• Damage to apiaries or livestock.

Claimants are required to:

• File claim statements with the DNR on a form acceptable to the DNR within 14 days after the wildlife damage first occurs.
• Have hunting access control.
• Implement recommended abatement measures.

County administration and abatement costs have funding priority. Claim costs are funded after administration and abatement costs have been covered. Abatement moneys are allocated based on a priority system with known abatement projects receiving priority over anticipated projects.

Additional Information:

Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants [PDF 183KB]

Contact:

Bradley Koeley, WM/4
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 266-2151
Website: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife/damage