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I doubt it, but BOY do I wish that were true. They're Federally protected.
Those things are the perfect predator.
As beautiful as I think they are, now...it's personal-they killed my Vivian(and sioux's Nina and so many other wonderful pets).
That sucks about your duck...the hawks are everywhere and I think they know they are protected and have lost all fear of humans and civilization. If they aren't endangered i.e. Cooper's Hawk, and they are living off your livelihood, I think you should be able to get a permit to shoot, but on the other hand I realize how everyone would think it gives them a green light to shoot. I think hawks are amazing but I also would like to free range my chickens every once in a while without having to be right by their side or having fishing line strung all across my yard. It's just the chances we take as chicken farmers!
Quote:
I doubt it, but BOY do I wish that were true. They're Federally protected.
Those things are the perfect predator.
As beautiful as I think they are, now...it's personal-they killed my Vivian(and sioux's Nina and so many other wonderful pets).
Yes, they are federally protected nationwide. Even if it were legal, I could not kill one. I do respect them and find them pretty awesome. It was just doing what they do. As much as I hate it and was devastated, it was my fault. Ringed Teal are so tiny and so vulnerable.
I did contact the woman I purchased my teals from (she did not have any available) but got me someone who did. Now I have a pair of Cape teals and one female ring teal coming. I feel better for Mauricio, Nina's mate. He won't be alone very long.
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I think from now on, they will not get out unless I can stay out there 100%. They made it all summer long that way. I just felt sorry for them and let them out. There was really no reason to, they can't forage for bugs this time of year. Their enclosure has everything they need. I learned my lesson the hard way.
I'm sorry, it is a shock. Hawks and Owls love to hang around here and drool. They even get close when I'm around. I make sure mine are very close to cover when I'm not around. I had a hawk fly all the way into a 40' long 3' high hoop pen to the freedom ranger house but they ran for cover in time.
I do like having the hawks, they are great for rodents and nuisance birds.
Around here hawks and snakes take more rodents than an army of cats.
Some species of hawks (acipiters) eat primarily birds. Some are less discriminating.