BLACK VULTURE PILOT PROGRAM

The US Department of Agriculture has partnered with the PA Department of Agriculture to introduce a pilot program that issues depredation permits to farmers to control the Black Vulture population.

This program was started in response to the pandemic timelines. US Fish and Wildlife now takes a year to issue Migratory Bird Depredation Permits that allow for vulture population control.

This pilot program for Black Vultures is specific to Black Vultures. This permit does not include Turkey Vultures. An easy way to distinguish between the two is when you are looking up at a vulture flying in the air look at their under wing markings. Black vultures only show white on the tips of their wings. Turkey vultures however show white on the whole length of their wings and should be avoided. To hunt turkey vultures you would need to take out a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit through US Fish and Wildlife. This permit costs $100 but the pilot program for Black Vultures is a no cost program.

PA Department of Agriculture signed up for this program and they have a state wide depredation permit that Nokota Harpster with the USDA can sign up livestock produces under this pilot program. There is a limited take depending on each farmer’s situation and that will be determined at the US Department of Agriculture’s discretion. If issued a permit and a Black Vulture is killed, the USDA would want that bird use as an effigy to deter other vultures from coming to your farm.

A reminder that you do not need a permit to harass the birds on your farm but cannot harm or kill these birds during harassment.

You can contact Nokota Harpster directly to apply for this pilot program at 717-572-2172.