Help! In a possible Jam

[KentWA]

An acquaintance of our son found a ducking on the road and picked it up so it would not get run over. When he ran into our son in town he asked if he knew anyone that knew how to care for ducks and our son brought it here. It was near death due to dehydration and being in the cold wind since it only has down and no feathers. HOWEVER as soon as they took it out of the box I knew something was not right due to size. I am now certain what we have is a Canadian Goose, protected under the migratory bird act. I have put it into our empty brooder box with water and food and it has recovered well in a couple of hours. We know the road the guy found it on, but could only guess where along the 25 miles it may have come from. There is no way to reach the Department of Natural Resources until Monday, and even then I am worried we may get smacked with a $5,000 fine for even having a protected bird in our possession. Does anyone know what kind of doo doo I could end up in calling DNR Monday morning or suggestions? I just do not want to toss the thing out and have it die in a few hours.

 

[leadwolf1]

I do not believe that they will do anything to you for rescuing and caring for the baby until you can call. I once rescued a goose with a broken wing and kept her in our bathtub until I could call a bird rescue. Nothing was said and the bird was rehabilitated and released. You only get in trouble if you plan on keeping the bird and get caught.

I'm glad you brought it in and it's warm and safe Call with confidence.

 

[klmclain1]

There MUST be a licensed wild bird rescue org around Kent. I don't think you have ANYTHING to worry about - but you might call the local Humane Society if you can't find a bird rescue quickly. Poor thing would have died without you! Please don't just release it.

Here... see if you can find something close!
http://wildbird.rescueshelter.com/Washington

 

[lsg1007]

Agreed. And if you really want to cover yourself, you might consider shooting them an email to "prove" your intent to contact them at the earliest time possible - but I think you would still be okay calling on monday

 

[KentWA]

I had a duh moment shortly after posting. My Brother in Law is a County Sheriff's Deputy and is partnered during the summers with a DNR officer. I gave him a call and the DNR rehab officer came and picked it up. So it is safe and will be placed with a mom they have that can not be released due to permanent injuries, that they keep around for this very reason since she adopts any chicks they bring in.

 

[klmclain1]

WONDERFUL!!! The PERFECT solution! There's a reason why that chick made it's way to you!

 

[KentWA]

Just a follow up as to why my concern. Logic and the government does not always go hand in had. We live along a county road that goes across 15 miles of Tribal land and into the National Forest here in Eastern Utah. There are 2 houses before the tribal boundary.

Just 2 weeks ago 2 guys going up to the National Forest had Firearms with them (allowed) and had a flat tire on Tribal land along the road. Tribal Fish and Game seized their weapons and camper for trespassing on Tribal land. They can go to court and will likely win to get their property back, but the cost is HUGE. Unfortunately no other agency will get involved.

We see stuff like this all the time by Tribal Fish and Game and as such all our neighbors are very concerned about getting hit at any time for an unknown reason. Recently they have tried to advance the theory in their enforcement that animals that leave the tribal boundary still enjoy tribal protection if they are near said boundary.