Here's an update on the response from the MDC.
First the MDC had a change of heart, I'm not sure why, but they did send two damage control agents to the farm that's losing the sheep.
They sent an area and district agent to the farm, to talk with the owners of the farm.
The agents informed the couple they had the right to protect their livestock no matter what.
The agents brought some snares with them , showed the couple how to use them and gave them a permit to use them.
However the snares are small, designed more for coyotes, the agents still don't want to believe a big cat could be doing this.
As a matter of fact the district agent tried to convince the couple that a coyote could clear the fence with an adult sheep if there was more then one coyote and they worked in unison.
Not sure exactly what he was thinking, but I know from years of observing and hunting coyotes that a coyote will not attempt going over a fence this high unless pushed to the point of desperation when trying to escape from pursuit, even then it's a last resort.
The agents did tell the couple that it is legal to have someone other then themselves to shoot or trap the animal or animals that's killing their livestock and to do whatever's necessary to protect their livestock.
Before talking with the couple and learning of the agents showing up at their farm, I had called the MDC to see what was legal for me to do.
I was informed by an agent of the MDC that I could legally act on behalf of the couple and shoot the animal or animals that's killing their livestock.
I was also told by the agent that any animals killed or trapped must be reported to and turned over to the county agent within 24 hours, as it is illegal to keep or possess the animals or parts from the animals.
So I'm going to go back to the farm, do some thorough scouting, see if I can find some good trails to set some lion snares and some places to try and do some calling from.
Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com