Migratory Birds and the Law

[zazouse]

Quote:
That has no bearing on whether or not it's legal.

Game wardens have the power to enforce Federal laws too.

Game wardens investigate complaints filed by park visitors that might include other guests or wildlife interactions. Wardens often provide valuable information to aid in the conviction of poachers and other violators. Some highly-trained wardens participate in undercover operations to investigate suspected criminal behavior. In some regions, game wardens are licensed police officers who may arrest and detain individuals for wildlife violations, traffic violations and in some cases missing persons or homicide cases. Depending on the suspected crime and location, game wardens are at times permitted to investigate suspected areas in public and private domain for illegal activity without search warrants. This does not pertain to areas where a specific law agency has jurisdiction.


Read more: Game Warden Responsibilities | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6728106_game-warden-responsibilities.html#ixzz2D646ST00

 

[OkieChickenDad]

Well a few of us have emails in to the Department Of Wildlife to clarify. I know some want to harp on federal regs, what law is better than another...it boils down to the fact that as land owners and farmers we have not yet given up our rights to protect our property, livestock and livelihoods here in Oklahoma. 9 times out of 10 the law will side with the farmer, and that's where it begins and ends...local law enforcement.

I also know all of us on this forum want the best for our chickens, ducks, geese...etc. or we wouldn't be here. Laws will be different in different locations. Attitudes about depredation will differ geographically, and we may never see eye to eye on this issue...but I, like everyone else on this forum hope for the best from my flock and wish the best for everyone else as well. So having said that, lets move the discussion more to posting local laws and specifically actual accounts of someone who has dealt with local law/wardens to solve a predator issue.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Laws will be different in different locations

Federal law covers the entire US.

Kill kil the hawks you want, but don't fool yourself into thinking it's legal

game wardens are licensed police officers who may arrest and detain individuals for wildlife violations

How is that different than what I stated?​

 

[OkieChickenDad]

Quote:
Federal law covers the entire US.

Kill kil the hawks you want, but don't fool yourself into thinking it's legal

game wardens are licensed police officers who may arrest and detain individuals for wildlife violations

How is that different than what I stated?​

Wow...Is your last name Pelosi? look, Federal laws regarding animal species are written so that they can and are able to be amended by the states, if the states deem it so. Do you realize the manpower needed for the feds to establish, maintain and enforce laws at the local level?...Or would it be more likely that the laws are written to allow states, who conduct their own environmental studies, who train and place their own law enforcement agents, to amend them to fit the current ever changing needs of a local eco-system(s)? Please stop...you're killing me Smalls.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Just to clarify, you are asking the feds for confirmation? Not OK?

 

[OkieChickenDad]

Quote:
Enforcement of Federal laws pertaining to migratory or any other game falls under our Department of Wildlife Conservation...thats where the email was sent by me. I cant speak for anyone else.

 

[sourland]

Do a search on "Operation High Roller." A number of Pigeon enthusiasts were arrested, prosecuted, fined and sentenced for protecting their pigeons. It was the result of a sting conducted by the Feds. It can happen.

 

[OkieChickenDad]

Quote:
I know..go back to what I initially said and to quote from USF&WS article on "Operation High Roller"...."It is illegal to harass, kill or possess migratory birds, such as the Cooper's hawk, without a special permit" My point is that if you go through the proper channels, you CAN get depredation permits for hawks. Some here keep riding the Federal angle like a renetd mule...the FEDS even say you can with a permit. Who do you think issues THAT permit? Obama? No it will be your local Wildlife Department.

See post #38 in this thread

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Federal laws regarding animal species are written so that they can and are able to be amended by the states,

Feel free to show the part of the treaty that allows that.

You've seen the parts that state it's illegal

My point is that if you go through the proper channels, you CAN get depredation permits for hawks. Some here keep riding the Federal angle like a renetd mule...the FEDS even say you can with a permit. Who do you think issues THAT permit? Obama? No it will be your local Wildlife Department.

I already stated all that earlier. See Post 36
If it were simply "legal", you wouldn't have to get a permit beforehand

It will be the US FWS, the ONLY agency that has the authority to issue the permit.

http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-79.pdf​

 

[sourland]

Okiechickendad, do you know of anyone who has been able to get the special permit? I would like anyone who has gotten the permit to please post and indicate that they have done so. They are rarely if ever awarded. edited to add that this is not necesssarily a bad thing.