For more information:
Kirsten Hollansworth, Public Engagement Specialist
kirsten.hollansworth@ag.ok.gov | 405.862.8496
May 17, 2024
Permitted Black Vulture Depredation Increased
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, in partnership with the USDA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, increased the number of black vultures authorized to a maximum of 10 vultures, previously a maximum of 5 vultures per sub-permit.
The sub-permits remain free of charge and allow Oklahoma residents to dispose of black vultures attacking their livestock.
“The increased number of permits supports livestock producers with black vulture management,” said staff biologist Karen Duncan. “Black vulture attacks on livestock pose a significant challenge for Oklahoma producers. These permits aim to alleviate the burden on livestock producers.”
The statewide depredation permit allows livestock producers an opportunity to apply for a livestock protection depredation sub-permit — allowing 10 legal “takes” of black vultures at no charge to the livestock owner.
Black vulture take may not occur under any other depredation permit for a producer acting under a sub-permit. Producers wishing to implement other methods or take more than 10 black vultures must obtain their own depredation permit.
For anyone experiencing extensive depredation issues (requiring more than 10 takes) or having large black vulture roosts on their property, contact the wildlife division at blackvultures@ag.ok.gov.
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Oklahoma Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit Application
Applicants who fill out and submit this application agree to follow all rules and regulations required by USFWS in the ODAFF statewide permit including: 1. Adoption of non-lethal measures to deter black vulture depredation 2. Use of shotguns and “non-toxic” shot in the lethal “taking” of depredating black vultures 3. Report “takes” to ODAFF. Any lethal take must be reported by December 31, annually 4. Use of black vulture carcasses as effigies in areas where depredation is occurring. NOTICE: Sub-permits will be issued to livestock operations only.