License to kill: Black vulture depredation permits for impacted livestock producers

INDIANAPOLIS — After years of working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Indiana Farm Bureau announced its members may now obtain permits that allow legal “takes” of black vultures that are attacking livestock.

Greg Slipher, INFB livestock specialist, said INFB has obtained a statewide depredation permit for black vultures from USFWS.

Black vultures, as migratory birds, are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws and regulations. Therefore, they can’t be killed or destroyed without a migratory bird depredation permit.

INFB has the authority to issue up to 100 total sub-permits per year as a benefit to Farm Bureau members who are experiencing problems with black vultures. The permits cover commercial livestock, which includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine.

The sub-permits will be offered at no-cost to individuals who are INFB members. Farm Bureaus in Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee have similar programs, Slipher said.

INFB started trying to obtain the permit when a number of farmers in smaller towns asked for help because the cost to obtain the permit put a financial burden on them, he said.

The sub-permits, which are for black vultures only — not turkey vultures or other birds — are good for up to 12 months, depending on when the permit was issued. Permits will be issued based on specific criteria.

Approved applicants will be allowed a maximum of five birds, but the exact number will be determined by the application score. Applicants must agree to follow all rules and regulations required by USFWS in the INFB statewide permit.

For more information on the black vulture program, visit www.infb.org/blackvultures.