peejay Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 is it illegal too shoot rock doves? i thaught they were protected, but on page 92 of the june edition of sporting gun delivered today . the first picture shows a guy with his bag of pigeons and the write up says he also shot 21 rock doves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 I believe rock doves, stock doves and turtle doves are protected but feral pigeons are not. I wouldn't like to try and tell the difference between a rock dove and feral pigeon. Rather like a racer and a feral. FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 (edited) Rock Doves are protected but feral pigeons are not. There was a (test) case in Scotland a few years back where a gamekeeper was in court for shooting Rock Doves. His defence was that the two birds share a common Latin name 'Columba livia' and look very similar therefore he wasn't breaking the law. Suceeded too but not sure I'd like to try it. Most true wild Rock Doves live in Scotland and N Ireland and are considered to be the ancestors of all our domestic pigeons. It's much easier to tell the difference between a Rock, Stock or feral and a racer which is also protected. Makes you wonder how many of these 'shooting mags' have truely knowledgeable sportsmen on their staff as this sort of faux pas happens on all to regular a basis. Edited April 30, 2008 by Highlander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trussman Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 http://www.basc.org.uk/content/woodpigeonpractice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peejay Posted April 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 just wondered where this poor guy stands legaly now? does he say he made the mistake or do the publishers say they did? also have you noticed how early these mags get? still April and they are sending out the June edition!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 I believe rock doves, stock doves and turtle doves are protected but feral pigeons are not. I wouldn't like to try and tell the difference between a rock dove and feral pigeon. Rather like a racer and a feral. FM Very easy to do FM even the Ten year old lads doing it now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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