Due to significant personnel cuts at the US Fish & Wildlife Services (USFW) agency, gull egg depredation permits may now take up to 8 months for processing—a massive increase from the historical standard of 8-10 weeks.
If you are planning to address gull populations through egg depredation in spring 2026, we recommend assembling and submitting your permit application by September 2025. Waiting until the traditional winter application period will likely result in permits arriving too late to be effective, leaving your property unable to take action on nuisance gull colonies.
With Gulls, Timing Is Everything
Gull egg depredation permits have strict seasonal limitations. Gulls typically begin laying eggs from late April to early May and have an incubation period of 3-4 weeks before hatching. Once eggs hatch, federal regulations prohibit any intervention until the following breeding season. This narrow window makes permit timing absolutely critical. Once you observe gull eggs on your property, it’s too late to take action that season. A delayed permit essentially means waiting an entire additional year while the gull population continues to grow and cause havoc for your property.
The Cost of Delay
Missing the permit window has serious consequences beyond just one more year of gull problems. Established gull colonies become more difficult and expensive to manage, often increasing property damage and creating larger biohazard areas. Additionally, gulls exhibit strong site fidelity—they return to successful nesting locations year after year, making early intervention crucial for long-term control.
Understanding the Permit Process
The gull egg depredation permit application requires extensive documentation and justification. Property managers must provide detailed evidence of gull activity, including population estimates, nesting site locations, and documentation of property damage or health hazards.
Governmental agencies review each application for compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, evaluating the necessity and scope of proposed actions. This review process includes site assessments, environmental impact considerations, and coordination with other federal agencies when necessary. The permit, if approved, specifies exact dates when egg removal can occur, allowable methods, and reporting requirements.
When you work with Wild Goose Chase, we complete the entire process on your behalf, including determining an estimate on the number of gull nests that need to be taken from your property. Should additional gull nests need to be removed beyond the limit granted by the permit, we will submit an amendment to increase this amount. At the end of nesting season, Wild Goose Chase compiles the necessary data into a report and submits it on your behalf to relevant state and federal regulatory authorities.
Plan Ahead Today
The recent USFW reorganization and associated personnel reductions will create long-lasting changes. Property managers must adjust planning cycles accordingly. Begin documenting gull activity now, even if you’re not ready to apply immediately. Wild Goose Chase is ready to assist you with your permitting process as soon as you are ready to act. To learn more about our gull egg depredation process or gull deterrent process, check out or most commonly asked questions.
Call us today to start your permitting process. Let’s start your permit application in September 2025 before it’s too late!
Marcus Hagberg is the COO of Wild Goose Chase, a leading pest and nuisance bird control company serving the Midwest. With over 20 years of industry experience, he helps lead a specialized team of biologists, canine handlers, and construction experts to deliver effective, customized solutions. Marcus is committed to providing strategic, research-backed bird control services that protect properties from health and safety risks.