Wildlife claims soar

The number and cost of wildlife and waterfowl claims filed with the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation reached an all-time high in 1996, the government announced in late January. Nearly $4.5 million in claims had been paid to farmers whose crops had been damaged by ducks, geese, elk and other wildlife. The vast majority of the damage in 1996 was done by ducks and geese. Nearly 1,500 claims were filed in 1996, with more expected in the spring when farmers try to harvest crops left snowed under by 1996's early winter. Spring claims are expected to reveal heavy damage due to big game. To be eligible for compensation from the government, farmers do not need to carry crop insurance, but a crop in question must be an insurable on: pasture and hay stacks are now covered. Farmers with questions should contact the local AFSC office, or their Fish and Wildlife office.