Pigeons have natural affection towards tall buildings and polished surfaces. The pigeon’s attraction towards the cities is causing negative impacts on human life. People are constantly searching for different methods to get rid of the sky rodents. So, is it illegal to kill pigeons in Oregon?
No. It is not illegal to kill pigeons in Oregon. Rock pigeons are one of the unprotected bird species in Oregon. You can kill them any time of the year without a hunting license and permits. The federal authorities protect Migratory and endangered pigeon species.
There are laws for pigeon killing and hunting in Oregon. This article will guide you through all the legal rules and steps of shooting pigeons.
Which Type Of Pigeons Are Illegal To Hunt And Eat In Oregon?
In Oregon, it is illegal to hunt Migratory pigeons except during gaming season. Doves and pigeons are common in Oregon. You can spot them throughout the state. Band-tailed pigeons and Mourning doves are native to Oregon. Other pigeons in the state are the Eurasian collared dove, Ring-necked dove, Rock pigeon, and Pigeon guillemot.
However, all the pigeon species except Eurasian collared dove and Rock pigeons are under the wildlife Oregon. Hunters can hunt unprotected pigeon species all year without any hunting license or necessary permits. The Migratory pigeon hunting season begins on 1st September and ends on 14th December, depending upon the region and the pigeon species.
It is not illegal to eat pigeons in Oregon. Hunters are allowed to eat the pigeons; that they have harvested in the gaming festival. Pigeon meat is also available in local supermarkets. However, the food authorities do not recommend people eat Feral pigeon meat as they carry multiple disease-causing organisms.
Why Is It Illegal To Hunt And Eat Pigeon In Oregon?
It is illegal to hunt Migratory pigeons off-season in Oregon. The migratory birds’ Treaty act was signed in 1918 by the USA and other foreign countries to protect Migratory and endangered birds. Migratory pigeons travel long distances according to the climate, food, water, and shelter sources.
Therefore, the wildlife Oregon does not allow the killing and hunting of migratory pigeons all year except for the specified dates. The dates of Migratory pigeon hunting change each year according to the season. To hunt Migratory pigeons’ keep checking the wildlife Oregon website from the beginning of August.
The Migratory pigeons have possession and bag limits. The bag limit for Morning dove is 15, and the possession limit is 42. On the other hand, the bag limit for Band-tailed pigeons is 2, and the possession limit is 6. It is legal to eat the harvest pigeons, but going above the bag or possession limit is illegal.
Laws Governing About Pigeon Shooting In Oregon state
The pigeon hunting laws ensure safe hunting and specify the dates and times for pigeon hunting each year. Rules might differ according to each state, like hunting age, license fee, and the bag limit and possession limit of Migratory birds.
The Oregon wildlife authorities have all rules updated on their website each year. Every resident and non-resident needs to abide by these rules. I have discussed some of the necessary laws below to guide you.
Hunting License
Each hunters’ irrespective of age and residence needs to complete a hunting education certificate course. Young people from ages 9 to 14 do not necessarily require a hunting license. From age 16 through 17, it is essential to complete the hunting certificate course and buy a hunting license. Young people below 17 must be under the supervision of an adult licensed hunter above the age of 21.
People can purchase a license online or through an Oregon wildlife officer or vendor. However, hunters will have to revoke their hunting licenses each year. The cost of the hunting license is different for residents and non-residents.
Hunting On The Road
People cannot shoot pigeons across the public road or the railroad except when hunting on the closed road by the Cooperative Travel Management areas.
Pigeon Shooting Time
The pigeon shooting time begins thirty minutes before sunrise and ends thirty minutes after sunset. The hunting timings for each day are in the local newspaper. Hunters must refer to the timings ahead of the shooting day.
Hunting Weapon
Hunters can only use a shotgun for shooting pigeons in Oregon. The gun must not be larger than ten gauges and cannot hold more than three shells. If the shotgun has three shells inside but can hold more, you cannot use it for shooting pigeons. Additionally, hunters can also use bows and arrows but not crossbows.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Pigeons In Oregon State?
Pigeon hunting is legal in Oregon. The state has a set of rules to assist you in hunting on and off-season. Below are some pointers to help you in pigeon shooting and hunting in Oregon. If you are a beginner no need to worry, these points will help you through the process.
- Attend Hunting education certificate course classes and obtain the certificate.
- Purchase a hunting license online or through a wildlife agent. You will have to revoke your hunting license each year so apply ahead of time.
- Purchase a legal weapon to shoot pigeons in Oregon. You can only use a shoot or bow and arrow.
- To hunt in a public place, get your slot by registering online. To hunt on private property, you need to get permission from the landowner.
- Hunting on private land without a permit is considered trespassing.
- Register online on the Oregon wildlife website for hunting in the Migratory bird hunting festival
- Bring all the safety gear to the hunting field. It is better to wear bright clothing like dark pink or orange. So authorities can recognize you as a hunter from a distance.
- You can use decoys and food to lure pigeons toward the hunting area. However, you cannot do this trick during the Migratory pigeon hunting festival.
- After hunting pigeons, properly store or discard the harvest properly.
- It is better to avoid eating Feral pigeons as they carry several diseases.
- Sumit bag count and possession limit daily on the wildlife Oregon website during the hunting festival.
Conclusion
Pigeons are frequent in Oregon state. You can easily spot pigeons nesting on your property. The increase in the pigeon population is alarming for Oregon residents. Therefore, the state wildlife authorities allow the killing, shooting, and hunting of pigeons. People can kill pigeons by poisoning, trapping, and shooting. However, killing pigeons for no valid reason is illegal.
Hunters can hunt Rock pigeons and Eurasian collared doves all year without a permit. For hunting, Migratory pigeons, you will have to register for the yearly hunting festival. The state allows the hunting of Migratory pigeons and doves only during specific dates with a daily bag and possession limit.
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