Depredation Permit for Migratory Birds
Migratory Birds Only
Statutory Authority: ECL 10-0523, 11-0505(5), 11-0521, and 6 NYCRR 175
The Department may issue a permit to take wildlife at any time whenever it becomes a nuisance, destructive to public or private property, or a threat to public health or welfare.
For information on Canada geese, gulls or other nuisance or invasive species, go to: Nuisance & Invasive Species
The NYS DEC Depredation license is issued for other migratory birds only after the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services has conducted an investigation into the damage caused by migratory birds and has issued a recommendation for a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Migratory Bird depredation Permit. A NYS DEC Depredation license will be issued only after a Federal permit has been obtained.
To contact the USDA Wildlife Services in New York call (518-477-4837) or visit their website at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/ca/permits.htm
Contact your Regional Fish and Wildlife Office to find out if the species you are concerned with falls within their jurisdiction, or if the permit must be issued by the NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit. For more information you can go to the following sites:
• For information on Federal Canada goose depredation go to https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx
• For information on general Federal permits go to http://www.fws.gov/permits/
Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for this permit. To apply for this permit you must first obtain a Federal Depredation permit issued through the USFWS. Then send a copy of the federal permit(s) to NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit. The federal permit will be processed as your application.
NYSDEC
Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
518-402-8985
List of applicable Laws and Regulations
- New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to read visit Department of State website at http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi
- 10-0523
- 11-0505(5)
- 11-0521
- New York Codes Rules and Regulations (6NYCRR)
