I'm going to apply for a permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to legally take out a couple per year. It's an option fish farmers have although I doubt a recreational pond person could get one. The fee has gone up to 100 dollars annually, and I have to document I have done everything else I can, but I'm just tired of hassling with these birds. I have had them drill my large broodstock bass in the head, and with the new VHS virus that could be transmitted by birds, I don't want to take a chance. They are as numerous as flies around here so I don't think taking out a few will hurt their population. I'm all for for nonlethal methods and want to live in unision with wildlife, but there are a couple of birds each year that don't take no for an answer. Some of my fish are worth $100.00 a piece so when they destroy them without even eating them, that burns me up.
Shoot, shovel, and shutup is too risky in my area. I've got a higway in the front and neigbors on both sides and behind me. If some do gooder squealed on me it could be really expensive.
