The Legal Landscape
Understanding what the law currently allows — and what needs to change.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
What it does
Originally passed in 1940 to protect bald eagles; amended in 1962 to include golden eagles. Prohibits any "take" of a golden eagle — including killing, capturing, wounding, or disturbing — without a federal permit. First offense: misdemeanor, up to $5,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment. Second offense: felony, up to $10,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment.
What it allows
USDA Wildlife Services agents can conduct depredation control with USFWS-issued permits. Licensed falconers can legally capture and relocate eagles. Ranchers can apply for individual depredation permits, but these are rarely issued for personal use.
The problem
Individual ranchers have essentially no legal recourse during an active attack. USDA Wildlife Services is underfunded in western states, creating long response times. Non-lethal options require specialized licensing most ranchers don't have.
What reform looks like
More funding for USDA WS western operations, streamlined falconer licensing for depredation response, higher LIP/ELAP payment rates, mandatory USFWS eagle management plans, and state livestock loss boards in Texas, Utah, and Colorado.
Current Legislative Priorities
Issues where rancher voices have the most direct impact right now.
-
1Increase USDA Wildlife Services Funding for Western StatesUSDA WS is the primary agency that verifies losses and provides technical assistance — but it's chronically underfunded in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska. Longer response times mean more losses and weaker documentation for LIP claims. This is a budget appropriations fight that happens annually.Urgent — Appropriations Window Open
-
2Raise LIP/ELAP Payment Rates for Federally Protected PredatorsThe current 75% market value cap under LIP was designed for weather losses. Losses from federally protected animals — where the rancher has no legal recourse — should be compensated at 100%. This requires amending the Farm Bill language at reauthorization.Active — Farm Bill Cycle
-
3Streamline Depredation Permits for Licensed FalconersCurrently, licensed falconers must obtain separate USFWS depredation permits to capture and relocate eagles on behalf of ranchers. The permitting process can take weeks — too slow to help during lambing season. A standing authorization program tied to master falconer certification would solve this.Active — USFWS Rulemaking
-
4Require USFWS Eagle Management Plans in High-Conflict CountiesThe U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service currently has no formal management obligation in counties with high eagle-livestock conflict. Requiring documented management plans — with rancher input — in Sublette County (WY), Beaverhead County (MT), and similar hotspots would create accountability.Needs Legislation
-
5Establish Livestock Loss Boards in Texas, Utah, Colorado, and AlaskaMontana and Wyoming have dedicated livestock loss boards. Texas has 338 affected ranches and no state program. Utah and Colorado have large sheep operations and no dedicated compensation. Alaska's Mat-Su Valley ranchers have no state-level support. State legislation in each of these states is achievable with organized rancher pressure.State Legislation Required
📬 Contact Your Representatives
Select your state to find your federal and state representatives. A 2-minute call or email from a constituent carries more weight than any lobbyist letter.
📝 Sample Letter — Copy & Send
Edit the bracketed fields and send to your representative by email or their official contact form. Personal details make these letters 10× more effective.
Dear [Representative Name],
I am writing as a sheep producer in [County], [State], to urge your support for increased federal resources to address golden eagle depredation of livestock in western states.
Golden eagles are permanently protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. I support wildlife conservation — but the current regulatory framework leaves ranchers with no legal recourse when eagles repeatedly kill lambs during spring lambing season.
In [Year], I lost [number] lambs to golden eagle attacks, representing approximately $[dollar amount] in losses. Under current law, I cannot legally deter or remove the birds responsible. USDA Wildlife Services — the only agency that can legally act — is underfunded and often unavailable within the response window that matters.
I am asking you to support three specific actions:
1. Increase annual appropriations for USDA Wildlife Services depredation response in western states.
2. Amend the Farm Bill's Livestock Indemnity Program to pay 100% market value (not 75%) for losses caused by federally protected animals, where ranchers have no legal recourse.
3. Streamline USFWS permitting to allow licensed falconers to respond quickly to eagle depredation on behalf of producers.
Ranchers in [State] are proud stewards of the land. We work alongside wildlife every day. But the current system asks us to absorb federal conservation costs without adequate support or compensation. That is not a sustainable arrangement.
Thank you for your time and for representing our community's interests.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Ranch/Operation Name]
[City, County, State]
[Phone or Email]
Advocacy Toolkit
Resources to help you make the case — in meetings, in testimony, and on social media.
One-Page Fact Sheet
Key statistics on eagle depredation: economic impact, affected ranches, states, and the gap in current policy. Designed for legislative meetings.
Generate PDF
Heat Map Screenshot
Take the interactive heat map to your next county commissioner or state ag committee meeting to show the geographic scope.
Open Heat Map
Rancher Stories
Real accounts from producers across the West. First-person testimonials are the most credible evidence in any policy hearing.
Read Stories
Economic Analysis
USDA data on total losses, per-ranch impact, and the cost-benefit of falconry vs. lethal control. Critical for budget conversations.
View Analysis