Because they are a federally protected species, it is illegal to harm or kill them, although property owners experiencing a vulture infestation may apply for a federal kill permit.

Are Buzzards legal to kill?

Vultures are a federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This means that the birds, their nests, and eggs cannot be killed or destroyed without a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (see permit information below). It is perfectly legal to harass vultures and use effigies to scare them away.

Are Buzzards federally protected?

A licence to kill buzzards – a protected species that was hunted to extinction in many parts of Britain in the 19th century -- has been issued by Natural England to “prevent serious damage” to young pheasants bred for sport shooting.