May01
Depredation Order
Blackbird, Cowbird, and Grackle
There is no open hunting season for blackbirds, cowbirds, and grackles. Under federal law, a year-round depredation order allows take of those species as described in 50 CFR Part 21.
— The Following Federal Circumstances Allow for Depredation Take —
- They are depredating or about to depredate upon ornamentals or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, and wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers as to cause a health hazard.
- Non-lethal control methods have been previously attempted.
- Non-toxic shot is used for take.
- Any take is reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by those participating