Hurting harmless birds might look like an inhumane act. But it is necessary when these birds are a source of diseases. The increase in the pigeon population is alarming all across the USA. Few states allow pigeon killing for the safety of residents and their properties. Is it illegal to kill pigeons in Alaska?
No. It is not illegal to kill pigeons in Alaska when they are a source of disturbance and annoyance. You can trap, shoot, and poison nuisance pigeons destroying your property. However, it is illegal to hurt, capture or trap Migratory pigeons, which include Band-tailed Pigeons.
Continue reading to learn the rules regarding pigeon hunting and shooting in Alaska.
Which Type Of Pigeons Are Illegal To Hunt And Eat In Alaska?
It is legal to hunt all pigeon species living in Alaska. The pigeon species in Alaska are; Pigeon guillemot, Band-tailed pigeon, Ruffed goose, Sharp-tailed goose, Northern hawk-owl, and white-winged dove. The only exception is the Band-tailed pigeon which you cannot hunt all year except during hunting season.
Band-tailed pigeons are large with long tails and small heads. They have a white crescent on the neck and light scalloping on the back. If there is a nuisance Band-tailed pigeon around your property, it is better to leave it alone.
Search for alternate ways to prevent pigeon entrance into your property. Hunting season in Alaska begins in mid-June and ends on the thirty August. During this gaming festival, hunters can shoot as many pigeons as they like.
The bag count is only for Band-tailed pigeons, which is fifteen per day. Pigeons are edible, and it is legal to eat them. In fact, pigeon meat is available in many grocery stores and restaurants. But it is not a good idea to eat pigeon meat as they are the carrier of many microorganisms.
Why Is It Illegal To Hunt And Eat Pigeon In Alaska?
It is not illegal to hunt pigeons in Alaska. The state allows shooting pigeons all year except Band-tailed pigeons, which are part of Migratory birds. The Migratory bird treaty act is a pact between the USA and foreign countries to protect a few bird species.
Therefore, you can hunt Band-tailed pigeons only during gaming festivals. It is legal to shoot all the other pigeon species all year. Plus, there is no bag limit for them.
The rapid increase in the pigeon population in Alaska has made it easier for hunters to shoot pigeons whenever they want, but there is an argument about eating pigeon meat. Even though pigeon meat is available in Alaska and is rich in proteins still, many people avoid eating meat. Pigeons are filthy animals and contain many disease-causing organisms.
How Do You Get Rid Of Feral Pigeons In Alaska?
The harmless-looking pigeons inside your house are carriers of many microorganisms, including mites. The most common reason for house mites is the pigeon nest. Therefore, if a pigeon is nesting near your property, it is necessary to get rid of them. Killing or shooting pigeon sounds easy. However, it is impossible to shoot pigeons in residential areas.
Below are some alternate ways to get rid of pigeons without killing them.
- Remove all the food and water sources from your houses, like bird feeders, baths, and outdoor pet food bowls. Make sure you throw the house garbage in large bins with a lid.
- Destroy or relocate the pigeon nest. To remove the nest, either destroy it with a high-pressure water hose or pick the nest and throw it away.
- To prevent pigeons from entering your balcony, use stainless steel wire or wire coil on the rails.
- Netting is an effective way to eliminate pigeons with a 100% success rate. Install large net sheets on balconies and other open areas.
- Consider using decoys of owls and snakes. It will scare them away for good.
Laws Governing About Pigeon Shooting In Alaska State
Alaska wildlife authorities are lenient and understanding towards hunters. However, the hunters must abide by the laws, or else they will face the charges. Some of the laws are similar in the USA others are specific to the state, like the rules regarding minor hunting licenses.
Below are the laws to assist you in shooting pigeons in Alaska.
Hunting License
The legal age for hunting is 12 to 17 years. Alaska hunters below 17 can hunt without a license. However, adults above 17 must carry their hunting license all the time while hunting. Senior hunters are above 60 and can apply for a free permeant identification card. They can bring that instead of the hunting license.
You can apply for a hunting license at the Alaska wildlife office or online. The hunting license fees for resident and nonresident differs.
Hunter Education
For hunting in Alaska, it is necessary to complete a Basic hunter education course before you begin hunting. The state rules are linnet for minors. If you are under 18, either you complete a Basic hunter education course or must be supervised by an adult with a license.
Pigeon Hunting On Private Land
Hunting rules are the same for private land. However, it does not guarantee access. Many hunting areas in Alaska are in resident ownership or run by state agencies. When planning to hunt on private property, you must get permission from the owner.
Hunting without the property owner’s permission is trespassing, and you can face the consequence charges. However, state lands are open for the public to hunt pigeons at their convenience.
Weapons
It is not legal to hunt pigeons with a machine gun and a bow that shoots many arrows. It is inhumane and illegal to cause multiple injuries to the pigeon. Avoid using poison or any other drug that makes pigeons sick. You can only use poison if the state authorities allow it. You can use a shotgun, Muzz loader, rifle, and pistol.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Pigeons In Alaska State?
Shooting pigeons is legal in Alaska. However, it is not allowed to harm or cause any torture to pigeons without any valid reason. There are many different species of pigeons in Alaska. The state allows hunting these all year except Band-tailed pigeons.
It is essential to follow the rules to shoot pigeons in Alaska during gaming festivals or on private land. Below are some pointers to help you in shooting pigeons in Alaska.
- Purchase a hunting license from the wildlife authorities in Alaska. The hunting license is issued after you complete a basic hunting training program.
- For shooting on private land, get permission from the land owner. Using land without permission is a crime.
- It is not legal to shoot across the highway or in residential areas.
- Carry all the gadgets, including safety headphones and glasses, to the hunting field.
- Use a high-quality weapon like a pistol or shotgun to aim the target.
- Never aim more than two or three bullets at the same pigeon. Causing multiple injuries is illegal and inhumane.
- Avoid using poison unless you have permission from the authorities.
- Submit bag count to the wildlife authorities. Although, there is no limit for pigeons in Alaska except Band-tailed pigeons.
- Ensure proper disposal of dead pigeons.
Conclusion
Federal authorities do not protect pigeons in Alaska except for Band-tailed pigeons. It is legal to hunt all the other pigeon species all year in Alaska. However, you must carry a hunting license and essential permits. To hunt pigeons on private property take legal permission from the land owner, or it is trespassing.
The state has strict rules and regulations regarding pigeon hunting. It is essential to follow them. Neglecting or going against the rules is a crime. Shooting pigeons might sound easy and more effective method to eliminate pigeons from your property. But it is not possible to shoot them in a residential area. Therefore, follow the alternate ways given above.
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