Wildlife Management

Wildlife management on the farm is key to maintaining quality and yield. It is also a major requirement of farm food safety plans. The Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers provides growers the tools to identify and mitigate damage as well as information regarding the various agencies that regulate wildlife.

Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Crows

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Voles

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, White-tailed Deer

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Coyotes

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Black Bear

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Birds

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Wild Turkeys

Published on March 22, 2019
Wildlife Damage Management Series for Midwestern Farmers, Sandhill Cranes

Published on March 22, 2019

Preharvest Wildlife Scouting

Wildlife activity on the farm is a huge food safety risk, which is why it's crucial to scout your fields for animal damage prior to harvest. This interactive video leads you through a simulated preharvest wildlife assessment. Here, you can choose which areas you to scout within your carrot field, and make a decision on what to harvest based off of your observations.

Avipel Project and Sandhill Crane Q&A

Published on April 12, 2019

MSU Extension is seeking farms to participate in a trial Avipel crane seed treatment. Learn more about the opportunity and frequently asked questions about the product.
Avipel Crane Deterrent Seed Treatment

Published on April 12, 2019

In this video, learn more about Avipel and its usefulness in managing sandhill cranes.
Farmer Interviews About Crane Management

Published on April 11, 2019

In this video, farmers who have had experience with sandhill crane damage and management strategies share what they have learned using non-lethal deterrents and depredation permits.
Crane Management

Published on April 11, 2019

Learn about crane biology, the damage cranes can cause for crops, and effective management strategies.
Deer Management

Published on April 10, 2019

Learn how crop producers can manage deer to minimize crop loss and which species are under the DNR's jurisdiction.
Farmer Interviews About Deer Management

Published on April 9, 2019

Learn about deer depredation hunting permits from farmers who have had experience with deer damage in the past.

MSU Extension launches new “Hunting and Conservation” hybrid course

Published on May 1, 2025
If you are new to or interested in learning more about hunting in Michigan, MSU Extension and the MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife are offering a hunting and conservation hybrid course for a foundational look at how hunting contributes to conservation.
Early season weed control discussion at MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast

Published on March 21, 2025
The 2025 Virtual Breakfast Series kicks off the series on March 27 with a discussion on early season weed control with MSU professor and specialist Christy Sprague.
Who’s that digging in my yard: Skunks, raccoons or moles?

Published on October 18, 2024
Gain a better idea of which critter is digging up your yard or garden by the damage they cause.
Hunting female deer: A better population management strategy

Published on September 17, 2024
When deer numbers become extremely high, crop damage and the associated yield losses from deer are greater than many producers are willing to tolerate.
Hunters: Look for signs of illness in deer

Published on September 13, 2024
Identifying deer with chronic wasting disease (CWD) is not always possible by visual observation. There are common signs that may indicate a deer is sick, but it may or may not have CWD.