Public involvement in decision-making associated with wildlife management has progressed considerably over the past two decades. Wildlife managers became more inquisitive about both traditional and emerging stakeholders during the 1980s, a period when studies of key stakeholder groups became increasingly common. During the 1990s, public involvement in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management decisions shifted towards an emphasis on citizen task forces and similar transactional approaches, and a growing diversity of stakeholders contributed to making deer management decisions. This evolution continues, as communities are now sharing the cost and responsibility for deer management with state and local government agencies under a variety of co-management scenarios. We highlight a case study from Cayuga Heights, New York, where a community-based approach for setting management goals for an overabundant deer herd is currently being implemented. The community scale is appropriate because the impacts of deer are typically recognized by citizens at the local level, and the need for management becomes an issue in local communities. In addition, management actions can be perceived most readily by stakeholders at the community level. Experience is showing that outcomes of co-management at the community level are perceived as more appropriate, efficient, and equitable than traditional wildlife management approaches. Although co-management requires substantial time and effort, this strategy may result in greater stakeholder investment in and satisfaction with deer management.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are responsible for damage to a variety of horticultural crops. Economic losses often require growers to implement one or more damage management methods including repellents, scare devices, hunting to control deer numbers, and fencing. A relatively small proportion of producers currently use fencing as their primary deer damage management technique due to high initial costs and other perceived shortcomings. Several fencing systems, including baited single wires, three-dimensional outriggers, and slanted and vertical fences up to 3.3 m (11 feet) in height have successfully excluded deer under some conditions, but simple designs are effective only under light deer pressure, or for relatively small (< 5 ha) areas. Low-cost fences are seldom satisfactory for protecting commercial orchards or ornamental plantings during winter, especially if snow restricts normal deer foraging opportunities. Combining electric fences with either attractants or repellents can enhance their effectiveness. Recent experiments with invisible electronic fencing systems and dogs have resulted in reduced deer damage to crops, however, additional research is needed to determine dog density per unit area for reliable protection during winter. Actual costs for fence installation vary depending on site characteristics, labor quality and costs, and sources of materials. It is important for growers to calculate the annual fencing costs for an orchard or nursery based on the anticipated life-expectancy of the fence design.

Social and management problems associated with urban Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are increasing in area, scope and magnitude. Although there are many articles on the management of urban Canada geese, none provide enough information for a reader to understand the impact geese have on different people, the ecology of the urban goose, evaluate the effectiveness of potential control options, choose appropriate management techniques, and then implement the chosen techniques. The authors present a manual and video, which in combination, they believe are not deficient in any of these areas. The video is intended to increase the awareness and knowledge of human/goose conflicts in urban and suburban environments. The manual covers the biology of Canada geese relevant to problem management in an urban setting and a comprehensive list of management techniques. Detailed instructions for implementation, permit requirements, sources of equipment and supplies, and a discussion of advantages, disadvantages, and characteristics, are included for each technique. To assist in choosing and locating appropriate techniques, quick reference summary tables are included.

Information, materials, and services on wildlife damage management are available through educational institutions, agencies, and private industry, but access is highly variable, depending on the location and type of problem that exists. With the development of the worldwide web, electronic information on vertebrate pests has proliferated, but access by direct links or browsers has limitations. The authors have developed a website that· will serve as an Internet Center for information on wildlife damage management. It provides links to web-based publications, reference materials, list servers, agency and organization websites, home-study and certification programs, and information and service providers. The Internet Center will significantly increase public awareness and understanding of wildlife damage problems. It will facilitate distribution of information to the public and improve communication among resource providers. Ultimately, the Center will increase implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) practices that will lead to increased economic and environmental benefits.

Despite rapid growth, the wildlife damage management industry lacks meaningful training standards, licensing, and certification throughout most of the U.S. In general, state wildlife agencies do not have the necessary personnel, expertise, or funding to develop and manage training programs appropriate for wildlife control operators (WCOs). We developed the National Wildlife Control Training Program (NWCTP) to provide the fundamental skills and knowledge required by WCOs. The NWCTP includes a manual, species supplement, face-to-face training programs, and an on-line training program. Content was certified by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) and provides individuals the opportunity for certification through NWCOA. This article explains the development of the NWCTP, its content, and the opportunity it provides for state and federal agencies, private companies, and individuals to increase capacity in resolving human-wildlife conflicts.

Since 1996, the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (ICWDM) has provided a clearinghouse for research-based information on mitigating wildlife damage. In July 2006, the ICWDM underwent a major revision to better serve the needs of its visitors. The site received a new URL, http://icwdm.org, layout, architecture, and content. Plans for further site enhancements include creating an image library, expanding content to include non-North American species, and encouraging interested parties to join us in eXtension.

The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (ICWDM, at http://ICWDM.org) has been a pioneer in providing research-based information on wildlife damage management via the Internet. In the 2002 edition of the Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, Virchow and Hygnstrom summarized the activities of the ICWDM from 1996 to 2002. Several changes occurred in the ICWDM from 2003 to 2013. In 2013, the ICWDM received nearly 2 million visitors from 215 countries. Based on a survey of online respondents, we conservatively estimate that the ICWDM saves nearly $17 million in resources annually. We anticipate continued growth of the ICWDM, including expansion of social networking and increased curriculum development.

Wildlife agencies face the complex, often difficult, challenge of managing nuisance wildlife complaints. State agencies are under increasing pressure to provide better training for individuals in the private sector who provide such services. In July 2002, New York State (NYS) passed a law that mandated both training and documented proficiency for all nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) who charge a fee for service. A team of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) staff was organized to produce a curriculum and certification exams. The goals were to enhance the skills and professionalism of both current NWCOs and new license applicants, while maintaining a diverse array of operators that could provide the many levels of service required by various publics. Additionally, the training manual was designed to be a reference for DEC and CCE staff and others who are interested in nuisance wildlife control. The central philosophy of the manual was integrated wildlife damage management (IWDM), referred to as “best practices” in the manual. A best practice was defined as an effective method for solving a nuisance wildlife problem that minimizes risks to the environment and promotes human safety and well-being. Development of the curriculum (both hard copy and electronic versions) and the associated electronic test bank involved extensive and comprehensive research, reviews, and pilot testing. The curriculum and licensing examinations have been implemented in NYS, and the curriculum has won three different awards from state wildlife, extension, and stakeholder associations. Currently, a NWCO curriculum for the eastern United States is being developed, and it will provide a comprehensive, science-based, peer-reviewed training that satisfies stakeholder-identified needs. This regional curriculum fills an important gap that would otherwise likely be addressed by each state individually. The credibility of the training manual and certification exam will likely prove beneficial to NWCOs as the public becomes aware of this new process. The emphasis on best practices and the responsible treatment of wildlife will also resonate with the public.

Expertise in wildlife and vertebrate pest management (VPM) within the U.S. University Land Grant system is increasingly rare, and very few Extension educators have the knowledge and tools to address VPM practices in this very specialized area. Yet, Extension educators (i.e., agents) receive a myriad of inquiries from the public searching for information on resolving conflicts associated with wildlife. Our team developed and launched an online survey to assess the needs of Extension educators in western region states and territories of the U.S. to determine the desired content and format of educational resources concerning VPM. We plan to review and compile current VPM educational materials (e.g., factsheets, videos, etc.), revealed in the needs assessment or recognized by our team, and determine their applications for wider use, or for revision/enhancement to address resource shortfalls. Our end goal is to use the survey data to identify current gaps in VPM resources and develop new or revised materials for Extension educators and volunteers. Because these educators frequently serve as “first responders” for people seeking solutions for conflicts with vertebrate pests, Extension staff need unbiased, science-based resources and training materials to counter the misinformation on the internet and fraudulent products in the marketplace. We will also determine how to best format and deliver this information to key audiences and stakeholders.

The book Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage (PCWD) is the award-winning and leading reference in the field. Over 13,000 copies of the 4th edition were sold, and we conservatively estimate that it saves $210 million in resources and $220 million in labor annually. Emerging issues and changes in the field, however, have precipitated the need for a new 5th edition of PCWD. Six editors and over 120 authors are working to create the next edition, which will include 36 new and 77 revised chapters. We anticipate that the 5th edition of PCWD and derivative products will be available as a two-volume book, CD, website, e-book, and mobile app, starting in 2015.