Copyright 1999 Star Tribune
Star Tribune
(Minneapolis, MN)
February 17, 1999, Metro Edition
SECTION: Pg. 10C
LENGTH: 179
words
HEADLINE: Minnesota public might not buy into
trapping idea
BYLINE: Doug Smith; Staff Writer
BODY:
Even if conservation and wildlife management
agencies agreed to spend the money for predator control, some
question whether the public would accept such a program.
"Delta has
demonstrated irrefutably that predator management during spring
nesting season works," said Mike McGinty of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association.
"But it would be a huge problem to duplicate that in Minnesota. We have much
higher [human] population densities. When you lose that first pet in a trap,
you've got trouble."
Steve Wilds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife regional chief
of migratory birds, said the agency has done predator control in Minnesota,
primarily on islands.
"The issue becomes one of what is acceptable
socially and what you can afford," he said. "There's no question you can hatch
and raise more ducks on a piece of land with no predators. But how could you
afford it?"
The habitat vs. predator debate likely will be a hot topic
at Delta Waterfowl's annual Twin Cities banquet Saturday at the Ramada Plaza
Hotel in Minnetonka. Call 440-1484 for banquet information.
LOAD-DATE: February 18, 1999
