Section 12.05. Birds causing depredation.

 

(1)   Findings. The natural resources board finds that unlimited shooting or trapping of cowbirds, crows, grackles, house sparrows, starlings, and red-winged blackbirds is necessary when causing depredation.

(2)   Permit waiver. Neither a federal nor state permit are required of any person to shoot or trap birds listed in sub. (1) when found committing or about to commit depredations upon agricultural crops, livestock, ornamental or shade trees or when constituting a health hazard or other nuisance provided:

(a) Disposition. Birds killed and their plumage may not be sold or offered for sale.

(b) Premises inspection. Any person taking these birds shall at all reasonable times, including during actual operation, permit any federal or state game law enforcement officer, free and unrestricted access on the premises over which the operations have been or are being conducted, and shall furnish promptly to the officer whatever information he or she requests about the operation.

(3)   License waiver. Hunting and trapping licenses are not required for shooting or trapping these birds when causing the depredations described under sub. (2) (intro.) .

(4)   Shooting hours. The hours for shooting depredating birds during the open season for migratory birds as specified under s. NR 10.01 (1) shall be the same as those established for migratory game bird hunting under s. NR 10.06 (5) .

Cr. Register, May, 1990, No. 413 , eff. 6-1-90; cr. (4), Register, September, 1990, No. 417 , eff. 10-1-90; correction in (4) was made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Register November 2001 No. 551 .