Federal Migratory Bird Act of 1918

Ring-billed gulls, and in fact all gulls, are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Act of 1918 . This Act makes it illegal to harm or injure a gull, and damage or move its eggs and nest, without a Federal permit. Many states, including Illinois also require state permission before any action is taken. Not complying with the Federal Act can result in fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This also applies to an untrained dog’s actions..

Although the ring-billed gull population was severely depleted by the early 1900s due to human persecution and demand for feathers, the protection afforded by the Migratory Bird Act, combined with the resources provided by human activity such as landfills allowed the species to make a remarkable rebound.  Their success was so great that they have become a nuisance in many areas where large numbers sea gulls coincide with human activity and land use.

For more information on managing conflicts with gulls and migratory birds:
Servicing Illinois & Indiana: Wild Goose Chase, Inc., email or call 708.448.8878
Wildlife Management Consutling: Wild Goose Chase, Inc., email or call 708.448.8878
Servicing Wisconsin: Migratory Bird Management, Inc., email or call 262.790-BIRD