Committee approves wildlife‑damage claims action; one claim recommended for denial

Mike Berg of USDA Wildlife Services presented the 2025 wildlife‑damage and abatement claims package and recommended denying a claim filed by Gerald Schmidt because the program’s harvest objective requirements were not met. Berg said Schmidt had permits and an objective to remove four deer within the eligible period but removed two by the deadline, which generally warrants denial under program rules.

Berg said he discussed the situation with the county biologist and program lead and with Schmidt, who knew he was short of the objective. Berg explained participants may re‑enroll; Schmidt intends to enroll again next year. "As it stands now, we're planning to deny his claim for 2025 as a failure to meet his harvest objective," Berg said.

The committee moved to approve the claims as presented. Supervisor Krebs made the motion, seconded by Supervisor Mary; the committee passed the measure by voice vote. Berg confirmed a denied claim does not bar re‑enrollment in future program years.

The action directs Wildlife Services to implement the recommendation as recorded in the claims package.