Prior to initial use of pesticides by any permittee, the commercial applicator must contract which person to obtain guidance and technical advice regarding methods of controlling nuisance birds without threatening protected species?

• A. Michigan representative of the USDA
• B. Local city wildlife officer
• C. State game warden
• D. Federal EPA representative

Answer: (A)

When a commercial pesticide applicator is about to begin using pesticides to control nuisance birds, you need expert guidance before the first application to ensure methods won’t threaten protected species and to stay compliant with wildlife protection laws. The Michigan representative of the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services is the appropriate source for this guidance because they specialize in vertebrate pest management and provide technical advice on humane, legal, and effective control methods. They help ensure that the chosen strategies minimize impacts on non-target and protected species and align with relevant regulations.

Local city wildlife officers handle local concerns but aren’t the designated source for technical control guidance. A state game warden enforces wildlife laws rather than providing specialized method guidance for pesticide use. A federal EPA representative oversees pesticide registration and labeling, but isn’t the primary source for practical, species-protection advice on nuisance bird control methods.