IFB renews statewide depredation permit for black vultures

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) has renewed the statewide depredation permit for black vultures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). IFB continues to work with USDA Wildlife Services to issue federal sub-permits to livestock farmers who are experiencing issues with black vultures on their land. IFB will also continue to work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to secure the necessary state permits for farmers seeking approval.

To streamline the process and reduce application costs, IFB will hold the federal depredation permit for livestock farmers facing problems resulting from black vultures. This process will also help farmers quickly receive a state permit from IDNR. We are hopeful that this effort will help reduce conflict between the black vulture population and livestock production.

As migratory birds, black vultures 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 from USFWS and a class B nuisance wildlife control permit from IDNR.

IFB will issue sub-permits as a benefit to livestock farmers who are experiencing problems with black vultures and assist in securing IDNR’s required permit. The sub-permit is available to livestock farmers facing depredation of commercial livestock, which includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine.

Interested livestock producers may request a sub-permit application by contacting Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Commodity and Livestock, Tasha Bunting, at tbunting@ilfb.org.