Dear Permittee:
To reduce burden and improve consistency, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), are updating our procedural requirements for renewing Migratory Bird Depredation permits. USDA-Wildlife Services Form 37 (WS Form 37) will only be required in certain circumstances.
This does not apply to new applications. All new applications must submit a complete application, including a WS Form 37.
Effective November 1, 2024, when renewing a Depredation permit, a WS Form 37 will be required every 3 years, EXCEPT a WS Form 37 is required for any application that:
- Requests an increase in the amount of take.
- Requests a new take method, a new species, or new location.
- Is submitted late (after expiration or fewer than 30 days before expiration, see 50 CFR 13.22(a)).
- The USFWS identifies additional biological review is required, such as authorizes take of a federal Bird of Conservation Concern, potential population-level effects, etc.
Your renewed permit conditions will specify when your next WS Form 37 is required if none of the above exceptions occur. To be valid, any WS Form 37 you submit must be signed by WS within the last 3 months.
Renewal Checklist
Depredation permits are still 1-year permits. To renew your permit, submit the following at least 30 days prior to expiration.
- Complete application Form 3-200-13 (or equivalent information)
- Appropriate processing fee
- Annual Report
- WS Form 37, if one of the four above exceptions apply
If you have questions, please reach out to your regional Migratory Bird Permit Office.