Date of this Version Wyoming's legislation funding predator
control has progressed from a bounty system, to a mill levy
system, to the current fee assessment per head. The Wyoming
Department of Agriculture administers an M-44 predator control
program for private and commercial applicators' use with
livestock depredators. As predatory impacts on livestock have
increased, use of M- 44 has also broadened. The M-44 is a
mechanical device utilizing a spring-activated ejector, that
propels the dry toxicant sodium cyanide into the mouth of the
target species when pulled. Death of the animal is accomplished
by inhalation of hydrogen cyanide which forms when sodium
cyanide comes into contact with saliva. Wider use of the M-44
device and increasing skill of applicators is steadily
increasing the take of predators. Successful use of the M-44
device increases with knowledge of predator habits, use in the
proper location, and use of appropriate scent for the season and
area.