Damage Control Licences
Alberta residents, property owners, and occupants, can apply to Fish and Wildlife Stewardship for a damage control licence (DCL) to deal with certain species of wildlife that are causing damage to property or posing a threat to human safety. A DCL may be issued by Environment and Protected Areas for the lethal control of specific wildlife that is causing, or is likely to cause property damage, or pose a threat to human safety. DCLs will not be issued to capture and transport or relocate wildlife, to control nuisance wildlife, or to control wildlife at a population level.
To apply for a DCL you must complete a Damage Control Licence Request form and submit it to a nearby Environment and Protected Areas Office. See Fish and Wildlife Area Contacts.
Proactive implementation of best management practices to reduce conflict with wildlife is encouraged. To obtain information on best management practices and strategies contact your local wildlife biologist.
Find a Wildlife biologist contact by selecting the Wildlife contact District on the map:
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.
Migratory Bird Damage Permit
A Fish and Wildlife officer can issue migratory bird damage permits to those who would like to remove or scare away ducks or geese causing crop damage.
Conditions and restrictions
Some restrictions of the migratory bird damage permit:
- The applicant must be a resident of Alberta.
- The person receiving the permit can name other people to help remove or scare away the ducks or geese. That person must carry the permit when they are acting under its authority.
- The ducks or geese can only be shot on or over the fields identified on the permit.
- The ducks or geese cannot be shot within 50 metres of water.
- Decoys, calls, blinds or other concealments cannot be used.
- A report stating the number and species must be submitted to the office issuing the permit no later than 15 days after the permit expires.
Damage Control Licences for double-crested cormorants
DCLs are available on an interim basis for control of double-crested cormorants. Contact your local Environment and Protected Areas Office for information on how to apply.
Contact
Find an Environment and Protected Areas Office near you – see Fish and Wildlife Area Contacts.