Unwelcome visitor!

[newchickens2009]

Sorry

I didn't realize the law was so strict on hawks in your area. I do apologize and don't want you to get into any trouble with the law. Maybe stick with the scare crow idea or some of the ideas that Kevin shared? But best to get covered

 

[KWAK]

Here where I live I was told that IF you SEE the bird/animal killing your chickens or other live stock you are allowed to shoot them.

 

[Tahai]

KWAK,

I would get that in writing, from a genuine government agency. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the jury bench.

 

[sourland]

Here where I live I was told that IF you SEE the bird/animal killing your chickens or other live stock you are allowed to shoot them.

NOT!

 

[desertdarlene]

Looks like a juvenile red-shoulded hawk, but I can't really tell. They prefer rodents if that's what it is. Best thing to do is secure your birds and hope it moves on in a while. Maybe it'll get a few rodents for you.

ETA: Red-shouldered hawks have been known to hunt wood ducks, but rarely.

 

[Rooster2410]

I've got a tippmann, it would own a hawk if it was close enough to hit. :-D

But like somone mentioned, it would be major illegal. Technically speaking its illegal to harass any wild animal. In certain situations you can regulate animals that are taking your live stock such as coyotes, crows etc. But not hawks.

I guess the best thing to do would be to find a falconer and have them trap the bird and keep it or maybe they can relocate it. Depending on state laws. Hawks will learn where they get to eat and will come back. :-D

 

[Rooster2410]

I believe its a Red-Tailed hawk, which is more common where I am. I think its a juvenile. They typically prey on squirrells, rabbits and rodents, but like you said, they have been known to take ducks. Its been so long since I studied for faclonry though. :-D

 

[mothrhen]

Here where I live I was told that IF you SEE the bird/animal killing your chickens or other live stock you are allowed to shoot them.

NOPE! I know of someone who did some jail time for shooting a bird that had his Jack Russell puppy up a tree. The dog dropped out of the tree and was fine (JACK RUSSELLS!!) but there was this whole thing about discharging a firearm in a residential area and then the bird carcass. . . I have a HUGE red tail that swings by everyday. She almost got one of my free ranging hens when I was 10 feet away. I think the law means if someones dog is killing your livestock, blast away. All you can do is be proactive and ever watchful. Best of luck.

 

[Rooster2410]

That is right. Since they are protected you cant... They are amazing animals though. I am also a member of a pigeon forum and they HATE hawks. I keep my fascination of them a secret over there. But ppl here seem more understanding that they own prey animals since some of us eat em ourselves. :-D

 

[kari_dawn]

Try the hanging CDs thing...It sorta works for me for whatever reason. I did loose one bird to a hawk since then, but it was in a corner of the yard without any hanging...I also read someone mention pinwheels helps deture them. I disagree that it is a juvi redtail...doesn't look right to me...what state do you live in?

Im not sure you CAN trap/relocate them. The only time we work with them is when they are injured, in which case the good samariten law protects the person bringing us the bird for the first 48 hours. Im not sure a falconer could trap and keep a wild one though (though I do not know the laws regulating falconers)...I would also get a top on your duck pen as quickly as humanly possible. He will probably be back.