I don't think cormorants are protected. I think you can shoot them at will. I think it is a common belief that they are protected but, they really are not. I could be wrong but one of my buddies told me he asked a Texas Game Warden about it and he said they were not protected. Does anyone know for absolute sure?
Please don't go shoot one until you know for sure in your state. I don't want anyone getting into trouble because of me.