Purpose
This program allows trained and certified Wildlife Damage Control Agents (WDCA) to issue wildlife depredation permits to North Carolina residents having wildlife damage problems. It was developed to streamline the permitting process. WDCA are authorized to issue permits for certain species on the spot. Under previous regulations the resident had to apply for a permit from the Wildlife Resources Commission and then wait for the permit to arrive before legally trapping, capturing, or killing an animal that is causing damage.

Duties of Wildlife Damage Control Agents

• WDCA approved under this program may issue permits to control wildlife causing damage and assist the landowner in controlling the animal causing the damage. Wildlife depredation permits are free, but agents may charge for their services. Fees charged are between Agents and their customers. The Wildlife Resources Commission is not involved in any way with fees charged for wildlife damage control services.
• Permits will not be issued by WDCA for bats, big game species (deer, bear, wild turkey), or any endangered, threatened or special concern species. If any of these species are causing problems, an enforcement officer or biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission must become involved, and for federally protected species a US Fish and Wildlife Service permit is required. Agents know whom to contact in these situations.
• WDCA must report their activities quarterly and maintain records.
• Violation of wildlife laws, failure to report or treating animals inhumanely are grounds for revoking agent status.
• WDCA must maintain a current knowledge of laws, rules and techniques of wildlife damage control and must renew their agent status every three years. Renewal will require re-certification through the Wildlife Damage Control Agent Training program.

Training
In order to become an approved Wildlife Damage Control Agent, an individual must complete a daylong course covering laws, rules, health considerations, and humane handling techniques. In addition, the individual must pass a written examination administered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service through N. C. State University administers the training course. Course sites and times vary depending on the demand, however normally one course is presented per year in mid-March. Contact Dr. Chris DePerno at 919-513-7559 to be notified of the next training/testing site and time. For further information, contact the Division of Wildlife Management at (919) 707-0060.