M44 set shave signs posted around them. I saw some in Montana a little over a year ago. They were clearly posted with red and white signs about 12'' square. Super easy to see and read.
What's the name of that guy in the video trailer who used to be a coyote trapper but now is an animal rights activist? He's the one that says he couldn't sleep at night if he had an M44 set out. M44 are not indiscriminate killers like the trailer say they are.
Bad news for trappers of all types. There are lots of regs for this- here they are on signage. Pretty cut and dried.
Additional Guidelines for Complying with M-44 Use Restriction 8(2) include:
M-44s will not be placed within 0.5 mile of occupied residences except for those
belonging to a cooperator who has requested the use of M-44s and has signed a Work
Initiation Document. Within properties where its use is authorized, the M-44 device shall
only be used in areas where exposure to the public and family and pets is not probable,
per Use Restriction 8(2). In certain situations, applicators may request a variance to the
0.5 mile restriction to allow for M-44 devices to be placed between 0.25 and 0.5 mile of
an occupied residence. After applying the WS Decision Model (WS Directive 2.201) and
determining that the use of an M-44 is acceptable and practical for the situation, the
applicator may request a variance by completing WS Form 205. The applicator will use
the WS Form 205 to document the characteristics of the Cooperator’s property and
surrounding area.
WS Form 205 must be submitted by the applicator through their supervisor to the
Regional Director, who will evaluate each WS Form 205 on a site-by-site basis and
render a decision based on the totality of information provided. Variance applications
will be granted only if they demonstrate that potential for human or pet exposure to M44s at the site is not probable. The Regional Director will evaluate a variance approval
annually, or more frequently as appropriate. If approved, copies of WS Form 205 will be
maintained by the applicator, District Supervisor, State Director, and Regional Director.
Variance requests approved by the Regional Director are contingent on the subsequent
notification of residents located within 0.5 miles of the proposed M-44 location(s). It is
the supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that resident notifications are performed and
documented by WS staff prior to setting M-44s in the area covered by the variance.
Wildlife Services 2.415 Page 3 of 4
WS will notify the owner or lessee occupying any residence between 0.25 and 0.5 miles
of an M-44 device prior to their use in the area. Documentation of the notification will be
maintained by the WS State Director.
The identity of the Cooperator and of the Cooperator’s property, must not be shared
directly with the notified individuals unless the Cooperator has authorized disclosure in
writing.
WS personnel are expected to accurately identify property boundaries where M-44
devices are to be placed. If the property boundaries are not clearly posted, or the
landowner or lessor is unable to accurately identify the property boundaries, WS
personnel shall use electronic mapping or aerial imagery to identify: a) cooperator
property boundaries to ensure devices are placed on the property covered by the
agreement; and b) non-cooperator residences, to ensure none are within 0.5 mile of the
device and/or residences that may require a variance using WS Form 205. Buildings that
are obviously abandoned or not actively occupied are not residences for purposes of this
interpretation.
Additional Guidelines for Complying with M-44 Use Restriction 23
On properties where no fence lines exist to identify property boundaries or display
warning signs, appropriate warning signs shall be erected to indicate that M-44 devices
have been placed on the property (“premise sign”) per Use Restriction 23(a). A WS
authorized elevated sign (“device sign”) as required by Use Restriction 23(b), must be
securely anchored to a stake, post or wire and positioned vertically above ground level or
hung from a low hanging tree limb in a manner that renders it clearly visible and legible
from the device. One elevated device sign will be required for each M-44 device set. WS
requires elevated device signs to be placed within 15 feet of each individual M-44
Device, a more stringent requirement than the EPA label Use Restriction. Applicators
should use the most recent version of the device and premise signs available through the
Pocatello Supply Depot. Signs that become faded, ripped, or otherwise illegible must be
replaced.
Last edited by Larry Baer; 01/18/19 04:42 PM.
