Very sad day... I lost 12 Ancona ducks to hunters on POSTED land.

[desertdarlene]

Hope they catch the guys. What they did was illegal at all levels.

For one, I don't think it's duck hunting season anywhere in the lower 48 right now. (Edited: I did check your state and it is, indeed, hunting season for ducks right now).

2. They shot what were obviously domestic ducks. Even during duck season, you can't just shoot anything.

3. They shot ducks on the ground/water. In some places, it's illegal to shoot "sitting ducks", but most hunters say that it is unethical and unsportsmanlike to do so even if it's not illegal.

4. Limits are based on species, you can usually shoot more mallards in most places than, say, canvasbacks or teal. In my state of California, you can shoot 7 male mallards and 2 female mallards a day and have only a limited number in your possession, for example. I checked your state and I believe 6 is the daily limit, 12 in possession, but only certain numbers in each species such as 1 canvasback or 3 wood ducks a day.

5. There are laws against wanton waste. Hunters, by law, must use as much of their kills as possible and dispose of it properly.

I'm thinking it was someone bent on shooting anything and not a true hunter. Perhaps a teen or group of teens or maybe someone who is antisocial and mentally disturbed. I hope they get the guy or guys.

I would put the word out to local media. Also, perhaps you can talk to someone at Ducks Unlimited or another hunting-related group of club. Most legitimate hunters hate people who don't follow the laws or are abusive, especially if the land is private and/or posted.

I don't know if you called the anti-poaching phone number for your state's fish and game. It is:

(800) 472-2121

From out of state, call: (701) 328-9921

 

[Gittx]

Have you thought about a wildlife cam? I think if you could get one and position it so it would take pictures of people entering the land....you might be able to get a good photo of the idiots. I live in the country....in the Piney Woods of east Texas, and every hunting season I pray that none of my livestock will be killed. I do have wildlife camera set up, but if the bullet is shot from 1/2 a mile away, the camera wouldn't be able to capture them on film. It sounds like your pond is close to a road so you stand a much better chance of capturing the idiots with the camera. (They're motion activated, so you might even get some great photo's of wildlife too!) It's a great time to get a good deal on a camera at your nearest sporting goods store.
I'm so sorry for your loss

 

[70%cocoa]

So sorry to hear about this dreadful thing happening to you and your ducks

 

[psue]

So sorry! Those idiots give any decent hunter a bad name. Not mention the law breaking. I hope they are caught and have to make restitution.

Hope someone has eggs or babies so you dont have to wait till spring to start the long job of rebuilding.

 

[petjem]

Sounds like you can find idiots all over the globe!

I hope that he gets caught and that he receives a good fine!

 

[Lady Ressler]

Hope they catch the guys. What they did was illegal at all levels.
For one, I don't think it's duck hunting season anywhere in the lower 48 right now. (Edited: I did check your state and it is, indeed, hunting season for ducks right now).
2. They shot what were obviously domestic ducks. Even during duck season, you can't just shoot anything.
3. They shot ducks on the ground/water. In some places, it's illegal to shoot "sitting ducks", but most hunters say that it is unethical and unsportsmanlike to do so even if it's not illegal.
4. Limits are based on species, you can usually shoot more mallards in most places than, say, canvasbacks or teal. In my state of California, you can shoot 7 male mallards and 2 female mallards a day and have only a limited number in your possession, for example. I checked your state and I believe 6 is the daily limit, 12 in possession, but only certain numbers in each species such as 1 canvasback or 3 wood ducks a day.
5. There are laws against wanton waste. Hunters, by law, must use as much of their kills as possible and dispose of it properly.
I'm thinking it was someone bent on shooting anything and not a true hunter. Perhaps a teen or group of teens or maybe someone who is antisocial and mentally disturbed. I hope they get the guy or guys.
I would put the word out to local media. Also, perhaps you can talk to someone at Ducks Unlimited or another hunting-related group of club. Most legitimate hunters hate people who don't follow the laws or are abusive, especially if the land is private and/or posted.
I don't know if you called the anti-poaching phone number for your state's fish and game. It is:
(800) 472-2121
From out of state, call: (701) 328-9921

Thank you so much for the number. I think I will call every day until I get someone to answer.

Thank you EVERYONE for all of your sympathy.

 

[Going Quackers]

oh my goodness that is beyond awful. I'd be seeing red. As pointed out there have been various crimes committed here. Please update us later on, i definitely want to know where this goes. I am sorry for your loses.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

so sorry, where was the great pyrenees during this? Ours wouldnt have let the shooter get away here, at least not unharmed. Given the economy (not that this is an excuse) I bet it was someone getting food for their family. I hope they are found and made to repay you for the losses.

 

[suki'smom]

I saw some Ancona eggs on Ebay. I bought some from sparkycrows and they are all doing very well in the incubator. Hope this helps...

 

[desertdarlene]

Thank you so much for the number. I think I will call every day until I get someone to answer.

Thank you EVERYONE for all of your sympathy.

You're welcome. I don't know how much they can help, but I hope they can give you some resources and, at least, get the incident on record in case they try to do it to someone else. They should have a way to leave a message and get back in contact with you. I've heard, in other states, these anti-poaching lines have actually helped catch poachers, at least with those poaching wild game. But, I think you can report any illegal hunting on this line.

I hope you can get some new ducks and get compensated for your old ones, though I know money won't bring them all back.