How to Be Animal Control Hunter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rapid increase in animal population has caused a serious problem for many cities and communities. With a lack of available resources to care for the animals, the number of strays and homeless animals has become unmanageable. This has led to increased health risks for both humans and animals, as well as an increase in property damage and other criminal activities.

In response, many cities have hired animal control hunters to help reduce the animal population. These hunters are trained to identify, capture and euthanize any animals that pose a threat or are deemed beyond rehabilitation. Although this may be an unpleasant process, it is often necessary to ensure the safety of both humans and animals, as well as to protect public property.

Steps How to Become

Research the requirements to become an Animal Control Hunter in your area. Requirements vary based on state and local regulations. Make sure you meet the minimum qualifications for the job.
Obtain a valid hunting license for your state or local area. This will be required for any type of hunting activity.
Take a hunter safety course if one is available. This is usually mandatory for animal control hunting and may be offered through a local community college, state agency or private organization.
Enroll in a specialized animal control hunter course. These are often available through state or local agencies and may cover topics such as humane animal trapping, animal behavior and identification, and safe handling of animals.
Contact local animal control agencies to inquire about job opportunities. Some agencies may require additional certifications or licenses, such as a pest control operators license.
Make sure you are familiar with all applicable laws and regulations relating to animal control hunting in your area. This includes both state and local regulations.
Develop a plan to safely and humanely trap animals and remove them from the area. This should include proper disposal of dead animals, humane treatment of live animals, and humane release of animals that are not a threat to human safety or property.

Animal control hunting is an important skill that requires dedication and practice in order to be effective and efficient. The success of an animal control hunter depends on their knowledge of the local wildlife, the environment, and the use of appropriate trapping equipment. Knowing the behavior of the animals and the conditions of their habitats can help the hunter determine the best trapping methods to use.

Properly set traps, along with a well-executed strategy, can lead to successful catches. understanding the regulations in place for hunting, and following them closely, can ensure that all animals are handled humanely and legally. With the right knowledge and skills, animal control hunters can ensure that unwanted wildlife is removed safely and efficiently from populated areas.

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Job Description

Patrol assigned areas to investigate violations of animal control laws and regulations.
Investigate animal cruelty complaints and take appropriate action.
Capture feral or stray animals using humane traps and other methods.
Provide humane euthanasia services for unadoptable animals.
Transport animals to a shelter, veterinarian, or other designated facility.
Collect fees and complete paperwork related to animal control services.
Educate the public on animal control laws and regulations.
Prepare reports on activities, investigations, and other related duties.
Monitor and report on animal population trends in assigned areas.
Maintain records of animal control activities and services provided.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of animal behavior and ability to assess animal needs.
Ability to use humane and appropriate trapping and handling techniques.
Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and policies relating to animal control.
Ability to safely and accurately use firearms, tranquilizer guns, and other equipment used in the capture of animals.
Ability to identify species of wildlife and knowledge of their habitats and habits.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in stressful situations.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public, government officials, and other professionals.
Knowledge of disease and parasite prevention, management, and control in animals.
Knowledge of humane euthanasia procedures.

Having good Animal Control Hunter skills is essential to effectively handle animal infestations. Being able to identify the animals, their habitats, and how to humanely trap and relocate them is key for successful animal control. This requires knowledge of the local environment, being able to use the right traps, and being able to effectively communicate with other professionals such as veterinarians and pest control specialists.

having the ability to recognize potential safety risks and how to address them quickly and efficiently is essential for managing any potential danger or damage caused by the animals. By having these skills, professionals can ensure that the animal population is kept in check and that the public is kept safe from harm.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How did you become interested in Animal Control Hunting?
Describe a difficult situation you have encountered while hunting.
What have you done to ensure safety for yourself, other hunters, and the animals during your hunts?
How do you identify the type of animal you are hunting?
How do you handle a situation where an animal is running away from you or hiding?
What process do you follow for preparing and field dressing an animal after a successful hunt?
What experience do you have with tracking and trapping animals?
What are the best practices for humanely catching, handling, and releasing animals?
Describe a time when you had to adapt to an unexpected situation while on a hunt.
What methods do you use to ensure that the animals you hunt are not endangered species?

Common Tools in Industry

Animal traps. Used to safely capture and transport animals. (eg: humane animal trap)
Animal handling gloves. Specialized gloves designed to protect the handler from bites or scratches. (eg: bite-proof gloves)
Animal tranquilizers. Used to sedate animals in order to safely capture them. (eg: ketamine hydrochloride)
Animal control vehicles. Specialized vehicles designed to transport animals. (eg: animal transport van)
Animal control lasso. Used to capture and restrain animals. (eg: rope lasso)
Animal control net. Used to capture and restrain animals. (eg: net gun)
Animal control noose poles. Used to restrain and control animals. (eg: telescoping pole)
Animal restraining poles. Used to restrain and control animals. (eg: catch pole)
Animal control dart guns. Used to shoot tranquilizer darts at animals. (eg: CO2 powered dart gun)
Animal control cages. Used to safely contain and transport animals. (eg: animal control cage)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Animal Control Association (NACA)
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
The International Association of Animal Control Officers (IAACO)
Wildlife Damage Management Professionals (WDMP)
National Trappers Association (NTA)
International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)
North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA)
International Association for Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA)
National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
Ducks Unlimited (DU)

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Common Important Terms

Animal Welfare. The humane treatment of animals in order to protect their health, safety, and well-being.
Capture and Relocation. The process of trapping wild animals and then relocating them to a new environment.
Nuisance Animal Control. The practice of controlling wild animals that are causing harm to humans or their property.
Trapping. The practice of using traps to capture wild animals for relocation or euthanasia.
Euthanasia. The practice of humanely ending the life of an animal that cannot be returned to its natural habitat or adopted into a suitable home.
Humane Education. Teaching people about animal welfare and how to prevent animal cruelty.
Animal Law Enforcement. Enforcing laws related to animal welfare and protecting animals from mistreatment or neglect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Animal Control Hunting?

Animal Control Hunting is a form of wildlife management that involves the hunting of certain species of animals in order to manage their populations, protect habitat, and reduce the risk of damage to crops and property.

What types of animals are typically targeted by Animal Control Hunters?

Animal Control Hunters typically target species such as deer, bears, wild pigs, coyotes, and other nuisance animals.

How does Animal Control Hunting help protect agricultural crops?

Animal Control Hunting helps protect agricultural crops by reducing the population of animals that may feed on or otherwise damage them.

What safety measures are followed during Animal Control Hunting?

Animal Control Hunting is conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations, which include requirements for hunter safety and the use of non-lethal weapons when possible.

What is the average success rate for Animal Control Hunters?

The average success rate for Animal Control Hunters can vary depending on the species targeted and the region in which they are hunting, but generally ranges between 25-50%.