Generally, folks consider small insects and rats as pests. Believe it or not, pigeons are also a similar threat. Considering the increase in the pigeon population, it is not easy to get rid of them. However, is it illegal to kill pigeons in Montana?
No. It is not illegal to kill pigeons in Montana. Hunters can take them down at any time. It is legal to damage pigeon nests and destroy their eggs. However, the hunting period for doves and Migratory birds begins in September.
Killing, shooting, or hunting pigeons is easy as long as you know all the rules. Continue reading to learn more about pigeon shooting rules and procedures in Indiana.
Which Type Of Pigeons Are Illegal To Hunt And Eat In Montana?
Hunters can hunt and eat all pigeon species in Montana. Pigeons are not native wildlife species. The Montana wildlife allows the hunting of pigeons all year as long as you possess a hunter’s license and necessary permits. However, hunters will have to wait for hunting season to hunt doves.
The doves living in the state are the Eurasian collared dove, Mourning dove, and Ruby quailed dove. The latter two are Migratory birds and are protected bird species. It is unlawful to kill, trap and harm doves off-season.
The Montana wildlife allows the hunting of doves for a few months. It is the only time for hunters to enjoy shooting and eating doves. However, there is a daily bag and possession limit. Hunters can eat their harvest to increase the possession count for the next day.
Why Is It Illegal To Hunt And Eat Pigeon In Montana?
No. It is not illegal to hunt and eat pigeons in Montana. However, Montana wildlife authorities do not permit hunting Migratory pigeons or doves off-season. Migratory pigeons are protected pigeon species. The Migratory pigeon act is a treaty signed between the USA and other countries. The treaty says no one can harm, trap, kill, capture, or trade them.
Hunting doves off-season is a crime, and one will have to face the consequences. So, the Dove hunting season starts on 1st September and ends on 30th October. There is a daily bag count limit of fifteen birds. But the possession limit is forty-five.
Eating pigeons is legal in Montana. Hunters can eat their daily harvest from the hunting festival. However, it is better to avoid eating the meat of Eurasian collared doves and Feral pigeons.
Laws Governing About Pigeon Shooting In Montana State
Hunting laws in the state ensure the safety of the hunter and the surroundings. Hunters must go through the state shooting and hunting rules to learn all the essential tips. Following are the shooting rules that you must know when hunting in Montana.
Hunting Education Course
People born after January 1st, 1985, will have to complete a Hunting education course to obtain a hunting license in Montana. The hunting education course is a ten-hour teaching program. You can also take your classes according to your feasibility. There is also an option for online classes if you cannot attend physically.
The course covers all the safety guidelines and ethics of hunting. It also teaches hunters the use of weapons. At the end of the program, you will have to pass the test to obtain a certificate. People from age ten and above can take this course. There are no fees for students. However, there are class charges for people 17 and above.
Hunting License
A hunting license is an essential requirement for a hunter regardless of age, residence, and background. Hunters aged ten to sixteen must have a youth hunting license on the field. The state allows resident and non-resident youth ten years or older to hunt with a valid hunting license. However, youth should be under-licensed adult hunters of age 21 or above.
Hunters of at least age 12 can hunt game species. Hunting licenses for youth or adults are available online. Hunters can also purchase them by contacting wildlife agents. There is a separate for hunters above 65.
Migratory Bird Act
The Migratory bird act prohibits killing or shooting Migratory pigeons. In Montana, there are only one Migratory bird species which is the Mourning dove. Another dove specie in the state is Ruby quailed dove.
The state protects this species even though it is not part of the Migratory bird act. The dove hunting season is limited to a few days every year. Hunters can register online to participate in dove hunting season.
Hunting Weapon
The state allows the use of shotguns to shoot pigeons in Montana. Shotguns come in different Gauges. Wildlife Montana allows Shotgun with no longer than ten Gauge. Moreover, the shotgun must not hold more than three pallets. If the gun has three pallets and can hold more is not allowed on the field. Hunters can also use bows and arrows to hunt pigeons.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Pigeons In Montana State?
Hunting pigeons is easy as long as you know all the rules. Every state has some assigned rules for pigeon hunting. Below are a few pointers to help you in pigeon shooting and hunting in Montana.
- Register for a hunting education course online or by visiting the Montana wildlife office.
- Apply for a hunting license after completing the Hunting education course.
- Hunters will need permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
- Carry a hunting license and permit on the hunting field.
- Register online to get your Migratory bird hunting permit.
- For shooting Migratory pigeons, hunters can use shotguns, bows, and arrows.
- The state allows air rifles for Feral pigeons and Eurasian collared doves.
- Wear bright orange or pink vest, cap, and backpack on the hunting field.
- Carry safety equipment and a first aid kit on the hunting field.
- Separate all the harvest into different bags according to the species.
- Inform wildlife authorities of the pigeon harvest and possession count by filling out the forum online.
Conclusion
In Montana, it is legal to kill, shoot and hunt pigeons. Due to the increase in the pigeon population, the federal authorities do not protect them. To shoot or hunt pigeons, hunters will need a Hunting license and permits. The state has laws for pigeon hunting. It is essential for hunters to abide by these rules.
The doves in Montana are protected pigeon species. It is also illegal to harm them off-season. Hunters can hunt doves only once per year, depending on the season. There is a bag and possession limit for hunting doves. Increasing harvest count on your own is forbidden.
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