There are many doves on my land and they are eating all the seeds in my garden. I live on a farm and they crap everywhere. Is it legal for me to shoot them with a pellet rifle to dial down the numbers. I have a current license and everything I need. I just would like to dial back the number of doves.
Answer:
The answer to your question depends largely on what type of doves you have on your place. Mourning Doves enjoy protection as a migratory bird, and take of them is regulated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If these are the birds causing your issues, the solution is slightly more complicated. if you are dealing with Eurasian Collared Doves or Rock Doves (pigeons) however, they are classified as unprotected wildlife and may be taken at any time, in any numbers, by any legal means (including pellet gun). A quick Google search will help you identify the culprit. If you discover that the offending birds are Mourning Doves give us a call, we'll see what we can do to help you out.
Josh Royse
Regional Conservation Officer
Answered on:
Thursday, April 30, 2015 - 12:03 PM MDT