Although it is illegal to kill a vulture without a permit, it is legal to harass vultures away from roosting areas and encourage them to roost elsewhere. The goal in disturbing a roost is to make the birds feel unsafe in that location and hopefully move to an area where they will not be chased back.

Can you legally shoot buzzards?

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.

Is it illegal to kill buzzards?

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.