We have numerous magpie's that are eating our free-range chicken's eggs. Can I kill them? Our neighbor said they are protected because they are the Mexican state bird. We live in Idaho.
Answer:
Magpies are a protected migratory bird and can not be hunted or killed without a permit. Both a state and Federal permit are required to kill magpies.
The best long term solution to magpies eating chicken eggs is to protect the chickens and exclude the magpies. Federal and state requirements will require non lethal methods of control before lethal control will be authorized.
The Code of Federal Regulations 50 cfr21.43 is the federal restriction and exceptions to killing magpies.
Also an Idaho Fish and Game take permit is required for magpies. Contact your nearest regional office to get the FG permit.
Answered on:
Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - 11:00 AM MDT