[M.T. Pockets]

They're migratory, the fed's set the rules on them. I believe all migratory birds are automatically protected by federal law at all times, except for waterfowl in season, and some exceptions for some birds like crows.

Cormorants ? I agree Fabs. They should enjoy as much protection as crows (or less). They can destroy an entire fishery when they take over a lake. Another thing, they'll kill all the trees around a lake. They perch in the branches and their droppings are so potent, it kills the tree roots. There is a lake within a mile of where I sit that used to be lined with Cottonwoods, now they're dead and full of cormorants...