Bounty systems offer financial incentives to hunt and destroy pest animals. Reviews of past bounty schemes around the world have shown they are an ineffective form of pest animal control. The main aims of bounties, namely to reduce pest numbers and encourage many people to become involved in pest control, are ecologically and socially flawed. A reduction in pest population numbers does not necessarily lead to a reduction in the damage caused by pests. To collect a bounty, hunters are required to present a nominated body part (such as a scalp or tail). This practice is not only open to fraudulent practices, but encourages the use of inefficient (and sometimes inhumane) methods, but more importantly, it impedes the implementation of more effective methods of control.
Outlines the AWMS position on bounties.
| Reference type: | Policy Document |
|---|---|
| Author: | Australasian Wildlife Management Society |
| Year: | 2004 |
| Pages: | 1 |
| Links: | http://www.awms.org.nz/ |
| Documents: | AWMS Position Statement |
Tags: Australasian Wildlife Management Society, AWMS, Bounties, bounty
