Pigeons are annoying and cause many infectious diseases, especially wild pigeons. Each state has rules regarding eliminating nuisance pigeons. There are almost ten different species of pigeons living in Texas. Some of these are rare, and others are annoying. So, is it illegal to kill pigeons in Texas?
It’s not illegal to kill pigeons in Texas. Local authorities do not protect feral pigeons. You can shoot feral pigeons any time of the year as long as you possess a hunting license. It is legal to hunt only four species of Migratory pigeons during gaming season with a limited bag quantity.
Continue reading to find more detail on the laws regarding pigeon hunting in Texas.
Which Type Of Pigeons Are Illegal To Hunt And Eat In Texas?
It is illegal to hunt and eat Inca doves, Common ground doves, and Band-tailed pigeons in Texas. Inca doves (also known as; Mexico doves) and Common ground doves are very common in Texas.
Both pigeon species are solitary and are seen alone or in small groups. You can identify Inca doves through their small size. They produce rattling sounds, and you can see them hanging around your house.
If you see either of these three protected pigeon species around your house, it is better to leave them alone. Look for alternate methods to get rid of them. Remember state does not allow hunting, killing, or capturing of either. Not abiding by wildlife law can cause you a hefty fine.
There are seven species of Migratory pigeons living in Texas. The state allows the hunting of four pigeon species, including Mourning doves, White-tipped doves, White-winged doves, and Eurasian doves. There is no state rule that defines whether pigeon eating is legal or illegal in Texas. Eating wild pigeons is nasty as they carry many infectious diseases.
Why Is It Illegal To Hunt And Eat Pigeon In Texas?
In Texas, it is illegal to shoot and hunt specific migratory pigeons, including Inca doves, Common ground doves, and Band-tailed pigeons. According to the Migratory bird act Treaty 1918, it is illegal to harm, capture, shoot, and hunt Migratory birds in the city. Plus, it is not legal to shoot Inca and common ground doves as they are small compared to the other pigeons.
There are almost seven species of Migratory pigeons living in Texas state. It is legal to hunt four pigeon species during gaming season. However, shooting any of these four Migratory pigeons off gaming season is not allowed by wildlife.
Can You Shoot Pigeons With A BB Gun In Texas?
No. You cannot use BB guns to shoot pigeons in Texas. As per Texas state law, it is not allowed to shoot pigeons or doves with pallet guns and air rifles. Pallet guns fire conical pointed pallets, and BB guns fire small spherical projectiles. BB guns can only fire BBs, while pallet guns can fire pallets. When compared, the pallet gun has more power than the BB gun, and it is not legal to use for hunting in Texas.
Therefore, there is no chance that Texas state allows the hunting of pigeons using a BB gun. BB guns only hurt the pigeons, causing severe pain and slow death. It is inhumane and illegal. Texas state allows the hunting of pigeons without causing them injuries and pain. Minor hunters can use BB guns to practice hunting on clay pigeons or other objects.
Is There A Pigeon Hunting Season In Texas?
In Texas, pigeon hunting season begins in September and ends in January. The pigeon hunting season is divided accordingly depending on each Texas region. In the North zone, hunting season starts in September and ends in November. Then begin again on 17 December and ends in January.
In the Central zone, it begins on 1 September and ends on 30 October. Then start again on 17 December and ends on 15 January. In South Texas, the pigeon hunting season begins on the 14 September and ends on the 30 October. It starts again on 17 December and ends on 22 January.
There are limited days for hunting White winged days. The state allows hunting of White-winged dove only in the Southern region from 2nd to 4th September and 9th to 11th September. The daily bag limit during hunting season is 15 pigeons. But, the bag limit of white-winged pigeons is two.
The hunting season might change according to each year. The schedule is typically the same each year. You can check and confirm hunting season dates on the website, which is updated yearly to assist hunters.
Laws Governing About Pigeon Shooting In Texas state
The wildlife department of each state has rules to protect and provide safety to all animals and birds. Some of these rules are the same across the USA, like hunting licenses and protection of Migratory birds. But there are changes in the laws according to the pigeons in each state.
For example, it is legal to shoot nuisance pigeons without a license on private property in NYC. However, in Nevada, it is essential to possess a hunting license to shoot pigeons on private or public property.
Given below are the laws regarding pigeon hunting in Texas state.
Hunting License
It is essential to have a hunting license when shooting pigeons on public or private property. Hunting licenses are available at the Texas wildlife official website, and you can get them through a retailer. The wildlife issue minor hunting licenses for people under 17. The minors must be with adult hunters.
The hunting license is also available according to the lease. A small hunting lease license is for hunters shooting on 499 acres. A medium hunting lease license covers an area under 999 acres, and a large one provides access to 1000 acres or more.
Wild Pigeons
The state law allows the killing and shooting of wild pigeons that are a nuisance and destroy properties. It is legal to shoot and remove the nest of Feral Pigeons any time of the year. Although the state allows the shooting of Wild pigeons, it is not allowed to torture and torments them.
Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The state allows the hunting of four species of Migratory pigeon during gaming season. The hunting period for Migratory birds begins in September and ends in January. The daily bag count of gaming pigeons is fifteen. However, the daily count of White-tipped doves should not be more than two.
Hunting On Personal Property
It is essential to purchase a permit from Wildlife authorities to shoot pigeons on private or commercial property. There are no fees for youth or minors for a pigeon hunting permit.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Pigeons In Texas State?
Pigeon hunting is legal, but you must follow guidelines to shoot and hunt. Pigeon infestation is a common problem in almost all the USA states. Therefore, the wildlife authorities allow nuisance pigeon shooting on private properties.
Pigeon hunting is a sport. It has been in practice for centuries. Hunters in many states still enjoy pigeon hunting at least once a year.
To hunt and shoot pigeons, you must follow a set of guidelines. Below are some steps to guide you.
- You must possess a hunting license to shoot and hunt pigeons in Texas. You can purchase a hunting license from any Wildlife retailer or online.
- Similarly, you should also have a firearm license along with you. It is not allowed to shoot pigeons from a weapon that is obtained illegally.
- Before shooting pigeons, practice on the clay pigeons and the other objects. To ensure that you do not hurt the target.
- Avoid using pallet guns, BB guns, and air rifles. All of these have low power and will injure the pigeons only.
- Use a high-quality weapon that can knock down the target within seconds without causing much pain.
- Avoid shooting Migratory pigeons off-season. If it is essential, get a permit from the wildlife department.
- Always inform the bag count of the Migratory pigeons to the local wildlife authorities.
- To attract pigeons to the hunting site, lure them with food and decoys.
- It is essential to dispose of dead pigeons. Never leave them out, especially on private property.
Conclusion
It is legal to shoot and hunt pigeons in Texas. The state authorities allow the hunting of nuisance pigeons on private property. However, it is necessary to possess a hunting license to shoot pigeons on public or private property. There are almost ten different pigeon species living in Texas.
Out of these ten, seven pigeon species are part of Migratory birds. The Migratory pigeons in Texas are Inca doves, Common ground doves, Mourning doves, White-tipped doves, White-winged doves, and Eurasian doves and Band-tailed pigeons.
In Texas, it is not legal to shoot Inca doves, Common ground doves, and Band-tailed pigeons. Hurting, capturing, or killing either of these three pigeon species will cause a fine.
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