Best practices for nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State

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Ch 3: Legal issues

Overall learning objectives for this chapter

1. Know which federal and state agencies regulate aspects of the nuisance wildlife control industry.
    
2. Understand the various state and federal laws about handling wildlife and using pesticides.
    
3. Recognize which situations a NWCO can handle—and which are beyond your authority.
    
4. Know when a state and/or federal permit is required.
    
5. Realize that building codes, firearm ordinances, and other local regulations may apply to your work.
    
6. Be aware of the requirements and procedures for attaining a state nuisance wildlife control operator license.

A number of local, state, and federal laws are designed to protect wildlife or to safeguard the public and the environment from the improper use of pesticides. You need to be aware of the current status of the laws at all levels because state and local laws are sometimes much more restrictive than federal regulations. Different laws apply to NWCOs, pesticide applicators, hunters, trappers, wildlife rehabilitators, and to those who control the populations of domestic animals such as dogs and cats. For example, if you want to use pesticides such as repellents, rodenticides, Avitrol® bait, or fumigants in your NWCO business, you will need a state commercial pesticide applicator license.

In certain situations, the landowners (or their agent) will need to obtain state and federal permits. You can help with this process and answer their questions, but you can't secure the permits for them.

This chapter introduces the relevant federal and state laws and describes the types of local laws that may affect your business. If you have any questions, contact the regulatory agency. Laws and regulations change, so stay up-to-date.

Next Section (Learning objectives for section one)