well i heard my guineas squaking and i looked outside and noticed a large bird on my pigeon cage. so i went and loaded the .22 and by the time i had gotten back out there it had flown away, so i shot at it as it flew away and im pretty sure i struck it because it swirved and headed towards the ground in a field nearby.. one predator down, 1,000s more to go.. come and get some, coons and possums, and birds too!
Just a word to the wise - be careful about shooting birds of prey. Some may be protected. I'd call the local game warden or other authority to find out. Good luck keeping your flock safe!
The precise language in the MBTA states: Unless and except as permitted by regulations made as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful at any time, by any means or in any manner, to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture, or kill, possess, offer for sale, sell, offer to barter, barter, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment, ship, export, import, cause to be shipped, exported, or imported, deliver for transportation, transport or cause to be transported, carry or cause to be carried, or receive for shipment, transportation, carriage, or export, any migratory bird, any part, nest, or egg of any such bird, or any product, whether or not manufactured, which consists, or is composed in whole or in part, of any such bird or any part, nest or egg. As you can see from the above stated legal language, migratory birds are highly regulated. While some, such as waterfowl, can be legally hunted and possessed, there is no such provision for raptors. Eagles, ospreys, hawks, falcons, kites, owls, vultures and all other native North American birds of prey are strictly protected, to include a prohibition against the taking or possession of their parts such as feathers or talons. The only exceptions generally allowed for individuals to these prohibitions require permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Educational and scientific institutions are exempted from most permit requirements. Penalties for violations of the MBTA can go up to $15,000 and 6 months imprisonment for common violations. The sale or barter of migratory birds is a felony with penalties up to $500,000 and 2 years imprisonment. Some raptors, such as the bald eagle, are also protected under the Endangered Species Act, and both the bald and golden eagles are also protected under the Eagle Act. Compliments of USFWS
