Is It Illegal To Kill Pigeons In Utah [Updated Rules]

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Pigeons are common in many states of the USA. The pigeons in the USA are known as rodents of the sky or rats with wings. Therefore, each state has its own rules regarding removing nuisance pigeons. So, is it illegal to kill pigeons in Utah? 

No. It is not illegal to kill pigeons in Utah. However, you must follow the state rules while shooting pigeons. You must have a hunting license for pigeon shooting on public or private property. The only exception is Eurasian collared doves. You can hunt them all around the year, even without a license. 

Continue reading the article to learn more about the rules and regulations regarding pigeon hunting in Utah. 

Which Type Of Pigeons Are Illegal To Hunt And Eat In Utah? 

It is legal to hunt and eat all pigeons living in Utah. However, you must possess a hunting license and permit. Shooting pigeons on public or private property without a hunting license will be considered illegal. The only exception is a Eurasian collared dove. It is legal to shoot them without a hunting license all year. 

This rule is different for the Migratory pigeon species, including mourning dove, white-winged dove, and Band-tailed pigeon. The hunting season for Migratory pigeons begins on 1st September and ends on 30th October.

You will also require a permit to shoot Band-tailed pigeons. Their bag and possession limit is only 2 to 6. But it is 15 to 45 separate or combined for Mourning and White-winged doves. 

The state allows eating pigeons and is also said to be a great source of protein. However, local food authorities do not recommend eating wild or feral pigeons as they carry multiple diseases. 

Why Is It Illegal To Hunt And Eat Pigeon In Utah? 

It is not illegal to hunt and eat pigeons in Utah because pigeons are excessive in Utah. Killing them is the only way to control their population. The pigeon population is increasing at an alarming rate all across the USA. Almost all the states of the USA have severe pigeon infestation. 

They are becoming a source of annoyance and discomfort to the resident. Therefore, like many other states, Utah authorities allow the shooting and hunting of common pigeons. The pigeon species living in Utah are the Mourning dove, Feral pigeon, Band-tailed pigeon, Eurasian collared dove, and White-winged dove. 

The population of the Eurasian collared dove is increasing at an alarming rate in Utah. Therefore, local authorities allow killing them even without a hunting license. Eating pigeons is not illegal but not recommended. Wild pigeons carry many diseases which can cause infections in humans. 

Can You Kill A Pigeon In Your Backyard In Utah? 

Yes. You can kill pigeons in your backyard in Utah. Pigeons are annoying and are famously known as rodents of the sky. Due to the severe pigeon infestation in the city, local authorities allow the shooting and killing of nuisance pigeons even without a hunting license.

However, it is not legal to kill or remove migratory birds from private or commercial property without a permit. The migratory birds in Utah are the mourning dove, white-winged dove, and Band-tailed pigeon. It is legal to hunt them only during the gaming season. 

Hurting migratory birds off-season is illegal. Therefore, if there is a migratory bird in your backyard, it is better to contact Utah wildlife services. The wildlife in Utah will safely remove and relocate migratory birds.

However, you can kill the Eurasian bird and other feral pigeons without any permit in your backyard. But according to USA law, it is not legal to shoot on any private property if it is located in the middle of a residential area. 

Laws Governing About Pigeon Shooting In Utah State 

There are specific rules according to each state for shooting pigeons. Many of these laws are the same across the USA but has slight modification according to each state. The hunting laws are to protect wildlife pigeons. The rules also ensure the safe removal of the nuisance pigeon. 

Following are the laws governing pigeon shooting in Utah. 

Hunting License 

It is essential to possess a hunting license to shoot pigeons in Utah. The state authorities issue minor hunting licenses for people under 18. The minimum age for shooting pigeons in Utah is 16. People above 18 must possess an adult hunting license. 

Permit For Hunting Doves 

It is essential to purchase a permit for hunting Migratory birds, including Mourning doves, White-winged doves, and Band-tailed pigeons. The hunting permit for Band-tailed pigeons is free, and you can get it online from the official Utah wildlife website. 

Bag Limit Of Migratory Pigeons 

The bag limit of the Mourning dove and White-winged dove in gaming season is fifteen discrete or combined. On the other hand, the bag limit of Band-tailed pigeons is two daily. 

How Can You Shoot And Hunt Pigeons In Utah State? 

Pigeons are annoying, and their increasing population in Utah is alarming. So, the authorities of Utah do not protect pigeons and allow them to hunt and shoot them with a license. The only exception is the Eurasian collared dove. It is legal to shoot and hunt them without a hunting license all year.

Hunting and shooting pigeons in Utah is common and legal. But, to ensure the legal and safe hunting of pigeons, you must abide by the laws. Similar to other states, Utah also organizes a gaming festival each year. The yearly gaming festival includes the activity of pigeon hunting as well. 

Below are some pointers to assist you in pigeon hunting and shooting in Utah. 

  • To shoot pigeons in Utah, you must have a hunting license. The hunting license differs for underage people and adults. 
  • The license is available at the wildlife center in Utah after submitting fees accordingly. 
  • To hunt Migratory pigeons, you will need a permit from the wildlife office. The hunting permit for Eurasian birds is available online and is free of cost. 
  • The shooting and hunting of pigeons on private property are not legal in the middle of a residential area. 
  • Use a high-quality air rifle to shoot and hunt pigeons. Ensure you do not aim the target beyond 25 meters. 
  • Never aim multiple bullets at one pigeon. It is not illegal, but it is inhumane. Avoid shooting pigeons that are in the nest. 
  • During gaming season, inform the bag count of Migratory birds to the local authorities. 
  • Properly dispose of pigeons’ bodies after hunting. 

Conclusion 

Due to the alarming increase in the pigeon population, Utah state authorities do not protect them. It is legal to hunt and shoot pigeons in Utah as long as you possess a hunting license. The state authorities are slightly linnet and allow the hunting of Eurasian collared doves and feral pigeons all day year without a hunting license. 

It is legal to kill pigeons that are the source of annoyance and disturbance on your property without a license or permit. However, it is illegal and a serious crime to shoot pigeons in Utah. Each year state authorities organize festivals for hunting migratory pigeons. The Migratory pigeon’s hunting season begins in September and ends in October. 

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