I have almost quit posting on this topic, because there is so much misinformation out there. Last time I posted on this topic, and told them what I do with predators, I got called an outlaw among other nasty names.
So I posted back with the regulations directly from the DWF reg book, and people still had the nerve totell me I was wrong. Bottom line is this:
Foxes,bobcat, and coyote are considered nuisiance. Also possum and racoon. All you need is a 5.00 basic liscence to kill them, unless they pose a direct threat to livestock, but you must report to DWF. You may also take mink and otter with a trapper liscence.
As for chicken hawks and other birds of prey that are not migratory, are like any other resident animal. Since they are not a game bird, though, you must get permission from your state DWF. Just let them know that they are posing a threat to domestic fowl.
Federal law has absolutely no say so with non endangered species.
The process for migratory birds is a little more complicated. I have stood on the levee of a cwawfish pond with 3 DWF agents and eliminated night heron, egret, carmorant, and great blue heron. These are all migratory federally protected birds. The permit process is so tedious, though, you may lose 25,000 pounds of ccrawfish by the time you get permitted. The only rule tat I am aware of is tht you must leave them lay. You can not pick them up for table fare. Sometimes the game wardens will take the carcasses for research.
Cant wait to see how much fun the weekend lawyers have with this one.