Subd. 1. Authorization to take predators.

If the commissioner determines that predators are damaging domestic or wild animals and further damage can be prevented, the commissioner shall authorize the taking of the predators by predator controllers. The commissioner shall define the area where the predators may be taken, the objectives to be achieved, procedures for notifying predator controllers, payments to be made, the methods to be used, and when the predator control shall cease.

Subd. 2. Certification of predator controllers.

1. (a) The commissioner shall certify a person as a predator controller if the person has not violated a provision of this section and meets qualifications of experience, ability, and reliability. The commissioner shall establish application procedures, prescribe forms, and maintain a list of predator controllers. The application procedures must include reports from conservation officers and other department field personnel as to the ability and reliability of the applicants.
2. (b) The commissioner may revoke a certification if the predator controller violates a provision of sections 97B.601 to 97B.671 or 97B.901 to 97B.945 or a rule of the commissioner relating to fur-bearing animals.

Subd. 3. Predator control payments.

The commissioner shall pay a predator controller the amount the commissioner prescribes for each predator taken. The commissioner shall pay at least $25 but not more than $60 for each wolf or coyote taken. The commissioner may require the predator controller to submit proof of the taking and a signed statement concerning the predators taken.