Migratory Bird and Eagle Permits

Important Information The processing fee for many permit applications increased on May 11, 2005. On-line application forms have been revised to reflect the new processing fees. To apply for a permit, you must use the new application forms and include the increased fee. To view the regulation that contains the new fee schedule, visit http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/05-7127.pdf.

Resident Canada Goose Nest Egg Registration New: Abatement Activities using Raptors - The Service has issued policy to govern the issuance of permits to allow the use of captive-bred raptors to abate depredation problems, including human health and safety. The permit authorizes a new management tool for mitigating depredation caused by migratory birds or other wildlife. Migratory Bird Permit Memorandum; Federal Register notice; application form and fact sheet. Proposed Revisions to Migratory Bird Import Export Permit Regulations Public Comment Sought on Proposed Environmental Assessment on Distribution of Migratory Bird Feathers to Native Americans and Federal Register Notice The Service announces 3 management actions for eagles. Comment sought on proposed permit program. Information Collection http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/E7-5310.pdf Take of Migratory Birds by the Armed Forces http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/dodmbtarule/FederalRegister.final.pdf Migratory Bird Hunting and Permits; Regulations for Managing Resident Canada Goose Populations

MIGRATORY BIRD PERMITS

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (text) (summary) makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to Federal regulations. The migratory bird species protected by the Act are listed in 50 CFR 10.13. View the list of MBTA protected birds.

As authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits to qualified applicants for the following types of activities: falconry, raptor propagation, scientific collecting, special purposes (rehabilitation, educational, migratory game bird propagation, and salvage), take of depredating birds, taxidermy, and waterfowl sale and disposal. Migratory bird permit policy is developed by the Division of Migratory Bird Management and the permits themselves are issued by the Regional Bird Permit Offices. The regulations governing migratory bird permits can be found in 50 CFR part 13 (General Permit Procedures) and 50 CFR part 21 (Migratory Bird Permits).

EAGLE PERMITS

The two species of eagles that are native to the United States have additional protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (text) (summary). Under the BGEPA, the Service issues permits to take, possess, and transport bald and golden eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus and Aquila chrysaetos) for scientific, educational, and Indian religious purposes, depredation, and falconry (golden eagles).No permit authorizes the sale, purchase, barter, trade, importation, or exportation of eagles, or their parts or feathers. The regulations governing eagle permits can be found in 50 CFR part 13 (General Permit Procedures) and 50 CFR part 22 (Eagle Permits).

BIRD BANDING PERMITS

Because banding birds requires capturing the birds and handling them before the banding takes place, the banding of birds in the United States is also controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and requires a federal banding permit. Some states require a state permit as well. Only official federal bands may be legally placed on birds that are released to the wild within the United States. Bird banding permits, supplies of bird bands, and bird banding data are administered by the Bird Banding Laboratory.

PERMIT APPLICATION FORMS
[Form 3-200 tailored for proposed activities]

You may want to read over the general application instructions in addition to specific instructions that accompany each form. Send your completed application forms to your Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office.

The forms below are fillable. However, unless you have Adobe Acrobat software (not just the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader), you will be unable to save any data you enter. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, you may just want to print out the form and complete it manually.

NON-EAGLE

EAGLE

Import/Export Exception to Designated Port Resident Canada Goose Nest Egg Registration Scientific Collecting Taxidermy Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Falconry Raptor Propagation Depredation Rehabilitation Special Purpose - Possession for Education (Live) Special Purpose - Possession for Education (Dead) Special Purpose - Salvage Special Purpose - Game Bird Propagation Special Purpose - Miscellaneous Special Canada Goose Special Purpose-Abatement Activities Using Raptors Permit Renewal

CITES Import-Export/Eagle Transport for Scientific or Exhibition Purposes CITES Import-Export/Eagle Transport for Indian Religious Purposes Take of Depredating Eagles Eagle Exhibition Eagle Falconry Eagle Parts for Native American Religious Purposes- Permit Application & First Order/Certification of Enrollment in a Federally Recognized Tribe Eagle Parts for Native American Religious Purposes -  Re-Order Request Native American Eagle Take Native American Eagle Aviary Scientific Collecting Take of Golden Eagle Nests Permit Renewal

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What form do I use to apply for a migratory bird permit?
Prospective permittees apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office using an application (Form 3-200) specifically tailored to their proposed activity. The information collected through permit applications is used to determine whether or not the individual qualifies for the type of migratory bird-related permit for which he or she has applied. You may obtain an application online from the table above, or by contacting the relevant Regional Bird Permit Office.

Is there an application fee when I apply for a migratory bird permit?
A processing fee is required for most migratory bird permit applications. Processing fees range from $50 to $100 depending on the type of permit for which you are applying. The fee for each permit type is specified on the application form. No fee is required for applications for permits to possess or transport eagle parts for Native American religious use.

Where do I mail my application?
Permit applications must be mailed to the Regional FWS Permit Office in the region where you are located. Find the address on our list of  Regional Permit Offices.

How long will it take to process my permit?
You should allow for up to 60 days for processing your application.

Are permits ever issued in combination with one another?
Yes, if you intend to combine permitted activities, contact your Regional Permit Office. You may be issued a single permit to cover more than one permitted activity (i.e. Scientific Collecting and Import/Export).

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