Black Vultures Spotted in Beckham and Washita Counties: Farmers Urged to Follow Laws When Protecting Livestock

Sept. 16, 2024

Farmers in Beckham and Washita counties are raising concerns over an increase in sightings of black vultures, particularly during the ongoing fall calving season. These birds are known to prey on newborn calves that are unable to stand immediately after birth.

While it is important to protect livestock, authorities urge cattle producers to follow legal guidelines. Black vultures, along with many other birds, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Shooting them without proper authorization is both a federal and state offense.

However, according to Beckham County Game Warden Lt. James Edwards, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture offers permits to cattle producers that allow them to legally kill black vultures under specific conditions.

“You have to fill out the application. You have to use non-lethal measures as much as possible, such as lasers, lights, and different things like that. Some use propane cannons. You can only use shotguns with non-toxic shot. You can’t use lead shot for the taking. You must report how many you took to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture by the end of December each year.”

Lt. Edwards also offers tips on how to keep black vultures from returning to your land.

“If you kill one, the big thing is to use them as ‘effigies.’ Place them in a prominent spot on your property, high up in the air if you can, especially where they’re roosting. Hang it upside down in a manner where its wings are displayed. They do not like that, and it will drive them away. This is also a requirement of these permits.”

Lt. Edwards stresses the importance of landowners being aware of the rules to avoid legal repercussions and protect their animals legally. The only birds not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are starlings, house sparrows, and pigeons.

For more information or to apply for a permit, cattle producers can contact the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.