Illinois Farm Bureau has secured statewide permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that allow depredation removals for livestock producers through Dec. 31. statewide depredation permits are being offered as a producer benefit, and IFB says the process is intended to streamline applications and reduce costs for those facing losses. IFB is coordinating with USDA Wildlife Services and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to manage federal sub-permits and the required state approvals.
Black vultures prey on young livestock and birthing mothers and can cause serious injury or death, creating both animal-welfare and financial impacts on farms. These birds are more aggressive than turkey vultures and have a dark gray head, a distinction IFB highlights so producers can correctly identify the species causing damage. Because black vultures are migratory, they remain protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state wildlife laws, meaning removals require official permits.
Producers must obtain the appropriate federal depredation authority from USFWS and a Class B nuisance wildlife control permit from IDNR before taking action. IFB will issue federal sub-permits to eligible livestock operations experiencing depredation and will assist applicants in securing the state permit required by IDNR. The sub-permit benefit is targeted at operations reporting commercial-livestock losses attributed to black vultures.
Permit process
Under the program, IFB issues sub-permits after consultation with USDA Wildlife Services so each situation is assessed before any removal is approved. Approved applicants are allowed a maximum of three birds per authorization, a limit set following agency consultation to address the immediate depredation problem while complying with federal rules. All permit holders must adhere to the conditions and reporting requirements set by USFWS and the state permit issued by IDNR.
The sub-permit applies to depredation of commercial livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine, and is available to producers who can document losses or ongoing attacks. livestock producers eligible should expect a review by USDA Wildlife Services to determine need and appropriate response measures, and IFB will help shepherd applications through the combined federal and state permitting steps. Producers seeking an application can contact Tasha Bunting, IFB director of commodity programs and food systems, at tbunting@ilfb.org.
How to apply
Interested livestock producers may request a sub-permit application by emailing Tasha Bunting at tbunting@ilfb.org, and IFB staff will coordinate the next steps with USDA Wildlife Services and IDNR. Applicants must agree to follow all USFWS permit conditions and IDNR requirements, and state authorization will be provided after consultation and approval by the cooperating agencies.
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