September 4, 2025 USTFA

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Provides Bird Depredation Permitting Clarifications

Courtesy of NAA:

In response to comments from the National Aquaculture Association, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided the following clarifications for the use of lead ammunition and permit renewal procedure.

The nontoxic ammunition permit language will read as follows:

Nontoxic ammunition must be used for shotguns. For firearms other than shotguns, nontoxic ammunition must be used when humane and feasible. If nontoxic ammunition is not humane or feasible, lead ammunition may be used. If lead ammunition is used, any bird remains must be disposed of in a manner that prevents further introduction of lead into the environment.” 

The agency will be adding this language to the relevant depredation permits upon renewal. If a permittee needs their conditions to contain this language prior to permit renewal, they may request a permit amendment.

The agency has also amended the language in the continuation of activities letter to clarify that activities may continue as currently authorized by the expired permit. They will be sharing the attached letter with their regional permit staff so they may share when inquiries come in.
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