Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Texas Nuisance Double-crested Cormorant Control

Got this email today about Cormorants.

I talked with US FWS, they expect an increase in federal applications.

Its an interesting turn of events.


"Dear Texas Nuisance Double-crested Cormorant Control Permit Holder:


This email is to inform you that the Cormorant Control Permit issued to you by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been suspended and until further notice, Cormorant Control Permits will no longer be issued by TPWD. All control activities previously authorized under a Cormorant Control Permit must cease immediately.

TPWD’s authority to issue Cormorant Control Permits was based on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service depredation order for double-crested cormorants to protect public resources. See 50 CFR §21.48. A recent federal lawsuit has resulted in an order issued by a federal court vacating or suspending the USFWS depredation order for double-crested cormorants to protect public resources; therefore, all Cormorant Control Permits issued by TPWD no longer authorize double-crested cormorant control activities and all previously authorized control activities must cease immediately. See Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, et al, v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, et al., No. 14-1807 (D.D.C. May 25, 2016) (Order and Memorandum Opinion on Vacatur).

Although control activities are no longer authorized under Cormorant Control Permits, the reporting requirements remain. Persons issued a Cormorant Control Permit must have maintained records of all permitted activities, including those of designated individuals operating as sub-permittees, and submit the required annual report to TPWD no later than August 1, 2016. The reporting period shall be from the date of permit issuance through May 25, 2016.

If you need to control cormorants due to depredation, you will now have to apply with the USFWS Permits Office (505-248-7882) for a new individual Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (FWS Form 3-200-13). See 50 CFR 21.41.


This information will also be mailed to the address you provided TPWD for your permit."

Hmm!

Saw one this morning

So a federal judge says that all the research, money, time, and effort invested into building a good fishery is really about feeding cormorants.

Interesting. I guess Pond Boss should be sent to the birds, not us.

I feel it depends upon the circumstance. If I make my living farming, and deer are ravaging my crops and impacting my income negatively, then I should be afforded some relief. If I plant a large garden however, and do not make a substantial part of my yearly income from the produce, then I don't think I need a depredation permit. That large garden is a hobby, something I do for me and my family, for enjoyment rather than survival.

On the other hand, if the need arose I would simply do what I felt was necessary.

The first sentence in the article states, "A federal court has quashed “depredation” orders under which tens of thousands of double-crested cormorants are killed each year in 24 states east of the Mississippi..."

So why is Texas sending notices?

Now I only got a C in geography back in 5th grade but I am still confident Texas is west of the Miss River.

Further down the article is continues to reference Eastern states. So what gives?

If I raised chickens and a hawk was getting them, I would probably..............

If my pond was isolated enough (it's not) I would do what I needed to do to get them gone. Fortunately I have not seen any Cormorants around here.

So the federal government, which isn't enforcing border patrol and immigration very well, isn't enforcing federal drug laws in various states, notably Colorado, isn't enforcing federal records laws(Clinton's private email server)...but is now going to crack down on cormorant killers.

Makes sense...(where's the sarcastic icon.)

Ben, you make me want to laugh Most of the Government representatives I have dealt with don't care about the people that pay their salaries and know little of East or West of anywhere.

Tracy

"PEER Staff Counsel Laura Dumais"

There is a "b" missing from this idiot's last name.

I believe there are only about 3 birds NOT PROTECTED in the U.S.....European starling,house sparrow,and a dang pigeon!!!

Flame, a pigeon is really good eating. Never tried a sparrow or starling but the best way I know to keep pigeons under control would be to plan on a hunting trip for them, but don't advertise hunting piegeon because some goberment guy would want to figure out a way to TAX it and hide it as a Redistribution of Wealth

Tracy

I would imagine a pigeon would taste like a dove. Am I right? Does this mean if I have thousands of pigeons I am wealthy??

Speaking for Mr Baird who I am very happy to see is no longer on the "Wanted dead or alive" list ....SSS

Being an occasional employee of the gov't I feel comfortable saying, working as a "public servant," state or federal, is a form of government welfare. Wish a majority would understand the true definition of public servant.

Pigeon breasted out, with a slice of Jalapeno, maybe cheese and wrapped in bacon, then on the grill!!!!! You will eat it again.

Will Cormorants eat? Anyone tried them yet?!!

If anyone does, keep quiet about it. But I heard once, a long time ago, that they resembled spotted owl.