Mississippi Black Vulture Depredation Program

The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation has a statewide depredation permit that allows for a limited number of black vulture “takes” where black vultures are depredating on livestock. Livestock producers who are experiencing depredation may apply for a Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit that, if approved, will allow producers to protect livestock against black vulture attacks. This program allows for “takes” of black vultures or incidental “takes” of turkey vultures only. Federal regulations for the taking of migratory birds must be followed. No other protected migratory bird species is authorized to be taken under this program.

The Public Policy Department manages the statewide depredation permit and sub-permit program. All applications and reports will be made directly to the Public Policy Department. Because of the limited number of “takes” MFBF is issued, a maximum of three “takes” will be issued to an approved applicant. Interested livestock producers may fill out the sub-permit application below and return it to the Public Policy Department for consideration. To be considered, applicants must do the following:

1. ALL applications must be fully completed, signed and dated with the applicant agreeing to the terms and conditions of the original statewide depredation permit.
2. ALL approved applicants are required to report the date and number of birds killed under their approved sub-permit by the end of the calendar year. Applicants are not allowed to kill any birds in excess of the number approved in the sub-permit, or of any other migratory bird species. Livestock producers may apply to amend their original sub-permit to include additional “takings,” but must first receive official approval before “taking” additional black vultures. The sub-permit contains an area at the bottom of the page to record approved “takings” of black vultures.
3. Any livestock producer experiencing severe depredation from black vultures is encouraged to apply for an individual migratory bird depredation permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or work with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services to address their specific situation. Producers cannot be issued a depredation permit by USFWS and apply for and be approved for a MFBF depredation sub-permit. MFBF will assist livestock producers experiencing severe depredation in applying, and receiving approval for a USFWS migratory bird depredation permit.
4. The Migratory Bird Depredation Permit is a federal permit, and all livestock producers applying for and receiving approval of a MFBF Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit will be required to follow ALL USFWS Migratory Bird Depredation Permit rules and regulations. Failure to do so could result in federal citations and fines.

Producers may apply for the MFBF Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit by completing the application and returning a signed copy to MFBF. For more information, contact Melissa Holliday at 601.899.1920 or blackvultures@msfb.org.

​MFBF Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit Application