Black Vulture Depredation Permits

BLACK VULTURE DEPREDATION PERMITS NOW AVAILABLE FOR IMPACTED LIVESTOCK FARMERS

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) recently secured statewide black vulture depredation permits to protect Illinois livestock producers.

The issue:

Black vultures are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but they are known to prey on livestock and birthing mothers and can cause significant injuries and even death.
Black vultures live in southern regions but are expanding their range further north, creating depredation problems for Illinois farmers.
To protect Illinois farmers, Illinois Farm Bureau, IDNR, USFWS and USDA Wildlife Services created a black vulture depredation permit process in 2021.

Secure your permit today:

Step 1: Contact Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems, Tasha Bunting, at tbunting@ilfb.org. IFB will issue sub-permits as a benefit to livestock farmers experiencing problems with black vultures.
Step 2: Consult with USDA Wildlife Services. IFB will assist members with the process. Following the consultation and approval, a state permit will also be provided by Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

The details:

The permits are effective April 1 through March 31, 2025.
Approved applicants will be allowed a maximum of three birds, determined during the consultation process with USDA Wildlife Services.
Applicants must agree to follow all rules and regulations required by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the IFB statewide permit and the requirements of the IDNR permit.
Black vultures, which have a dark gray head and are aggressive, should not be confused with their larger, less aggressive and red-headed relative, the turkey vulture.