Sample WS Form 37 — USDA Wildlife Services Eagle Depredation Assessment

📋 What is WS Form 37?

WS Form 37 is a USDA Wildlife Services document — a depredation/damage assessment completed by a Wildlife Services specialist after a site visit, documenting confirmed predation on livestock. It is not an applicant-filed federal permit application, and it is not a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service form. The federal permit to take eagles is a separate permit issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Our specialists help you work through both steps — here's what a completed WS Form 37 looks like.

I. APPLICANT INFORMATION

APPLICANT NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial):

Smith, John Michael

BUSINESS NAME (if applicable):

Smith Sheep Ranch

APPLICANT TYPE:

Individual Federal State Tribal

MAILING ADDRESS:

1245 Mountain Road, Missoula, MT 59801

PHONE:

(406) 555-0142

EMAIL:

john.smith@email.com

II. PROPERTY INFORMATION

PROPERTY LOCATION/NAME:

Smith Family Sheep Ranch - North Pasture

COUNTY:

Missoula

STATE:

Montana

PROPERTY SIZE (acres):

2,400

OWNERSHIP:

Owned Leased Other

III. LIVESTOCK AND DEPREDATION INFORMATION

TYPE OF LIVESTOCK:

Sheep Goats Cattle Other: _____

NUMBER OF ANIMALS AT RISK:

285 lambs and ewes

ESTIMATED VALUE AT RISK:

$42,750

DOCUMENTED DEPREDATION (describe incidents, dates, number of animals lost):

March 15, 2026: 3 lambs killed. March 22, 2026: 2 lambs and 1 ewe killed. March 28, 2026: 4 lambs killed. Golden eagles observed hunting same location during daylight hours.

PREVENTION MEASURES ATTEMPTED (fencing, guardian animals, etc.):

- Increased herd monitoring and human presence - Temporary fencing in critical areas - Shelter installation in pasture - (Guardian dog program planned for summer)

IV. GOLDEN EAGLE INFORMATION

NUMBER OF EAGLES TO BE REMOVED:

EAGLE IDENTIFICATION (age, sex if known):

Both appear to be adults; one larger (likely male)

REASON FOR REMOVAL (check all that apply):

Protection of livestock/pets Public safety Other: _____

V. PROPOSED REMOVAL METHOD

METHOD OF REMOVAL (describe):

Licensed wildlife specialist will conduct live trapping using net guns and transport live-captured eagles to approved relocation facility or euthanasia as last resort per USDA protocols.

Important: All removal methods must comply with USDA Wildlife Services guidelines and state regulations.

VI. AUTHORIZATION & CERTIFICATION

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that making false statements on this form is a federal crime.

Applicant Signature & Date

Date

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

PERMIT NUMBER:

_______________

ISSUED DATE:

_______________

AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL:

_______________

EXPIRATION DATE:

_______________

💡 How Our Service Helps

Our licensed specialists help you request a USDA Wildlife Services site visit so a WS specialist can complete WS Form 37, and then assist you with the separate U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service eagle permit application. We handle the documentation, coordinate with USDA Wildlife Services, and help manage the process. Start your request with us today.