Shooting predators

[Paul_Maxson]

I live in Northern California, and just started growing my chicks from a dozen unfertilized eggs I bought at Trader J00s. Anyway, I've been seeing some coons hanging out round my coop lately. Is it ethical to shoot coons?

 

[speckledhen]

Well, first of all, you can't hatch chicks from UNfertilized eggs, so if there are babies growing in there, they were definitely fertilized.

Welcome to BYC. Ethics are up to you. Legalities are what you must deal with in your location. You need to know the laws about discharging a firearm in your neighborhood. In most places, it's completely legal to shoot predators (other than federally protected ones like raptors) to protect your flock.

 

[dacjohns]

It is more a legal question than an ethical question.

Check your game laws. Raccoons are considered fur bearers in some states. You should be able to check on California's Fish and Game, Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife or whatever the agency is called that takes care of hunting, fishing, and trapping. They might have to look elsewhere under agriculture for exceptions to the rules for predator control.

 

[sred98]

It depends on the laws where you live. If it is legal to shoot them and you can do so safely, and humanely, then by all means, do so! We live in a rural area and by law are able to shoot animals that are harrassing our livestock. Check your laws. Also, you'll find a handy phrase in this section, "SSS-Shoot, Shovel, and Shut up!"

Shelly

 

[J.Pryce]

I think this is some type of joke. Anyone who raises chickens knows that unfertilized eggs won't hatch, & he got them from Trader Joes? I think Trader Joes is a grocery store.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

T'is true, check your local fish and game but the general rule is live stock is your right and predators are fair game. Some animals take a call to your local warden prior to dispatching. Even deer out of season or turkeys can be shot if you have legitimate complaint and local wardens consent.

 

[sred98]

J.Pryce :

I think this is some type of joke. Anyone who raises chickens knows that unfertilized eggs won't hatch, & he got them from Trader Joes? I think Trader Joes is a grocery store.

I'm thinking the unfertilized egg comment was a typo. There have been several posts on BYC about people hatching eggs from Trader Joe's. Do a search and you'll be shocked!

Shelly​

 

[dacjohns]

All states are different and you can get in trouble following generalties and rules of thumb. In Illinois it almost takes and act of congress to kill or trap predators, including deer eating your soybeans.

 

[Paul_Maxson]

Quote:
oops. sorry my typo. well i know i can't actually fire my ar-15 at the coons, i was thinking about using my bow and sticking one in them.

 

[GAGE]

Some TJ's actually sell fertilized eggs, unfortunately the one by me does not. I was looking for some cheap eggs to fill the bator for my first hatch. BTW, the OP's avatar is a little creepy.