joeshaw08 Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 I was out pigeon shooting this morning, went out the hide to retrieve and found that two of the birds had rings around their ankles. Not sure what this meant but im guessing they were racing pigeons? Is this fairly common for people to shoot these by accident?? I wouldnt have shot if id known but their ankles are the last thing you take notice of when one comes into the deeks. Can you get into trouble for doing this, even though its purely accidental? One other thing...is the meat ok on them cause they're feral aswell?! Don't wanna let them go to waste! Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev 1 Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 I think you are supposed to write No down and send it to a certain place,but cant remember where? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevitree Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 This may be off help... http://www.rpra.org/Default.aspx?tabid=100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 You've shot somebody's racing pigeons. Can you not tell the difference between a woodpigeon and a racing pigeon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 joeshaw08 you have PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 Pigeons that are racing fly fast and non stop and are easily recognised against wood pigeons, or ferals. Racing pigeons do not come into decoys to feed, what you may have shot are lost. gone AWOL racing pigeons. Most flocks of ferals have a few ringed birds among them. I was clearing ferals from a feed barn many years ago and shot a bird with a ring. After making all the enquiries I sent it off and had a letter back from a chap in Derby, who said that the pigeon I shot had gone missing during a cross Channel race and been gone for 6 months. In my letter I apologised for shooting the bird, but the chap replied that if the bird had ever got back to his loft he would have rung its neck, so I didn't feel so bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benbaikal Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 my step father a top pigeon racer would do the same they are no good in someone elses loft and just ring there necks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codling99 Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 (edited) Pigeons that are racing fly fast and non stop and are easily recognised against wood pigeons, or ferals. Racing pigeons do not come into decoys to feed, what you may have shot are lost. gone AWOL racing pigeons. Most flocks of ferals have a few ringed birds among them. I was clearing ferals from a feed barn many years ago and shot a bird with a ring. After making all the enquiries I sent it off and had a letter back from a chap in Derby, who said that the pigeon I shot had gone missing during a cross Channel race and been gone for 6 months. In my letter I apologised for shooting the bird, but the chap replied that if the bird had ever got back to his loft he would have rung its neck, so I didn't feel so bad. as above really,a few family members fly pigeons,and they said the same,if it lost it s no good,and a bird that comes in to decoys is usually hungary so wont be in a race,dont worry mate,but dont advertise the fact either . gaurenteed tobe a feral mate,just dont shoot at ones doing 60 mph with no intention of dropping in to pattern . Edited August 16, 2008 by codling99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarpa Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 I had a lost racer in my garden last month, so I gave it some feed and water. Damn thing roosted on my house roof every night and would wander into the conservatory, squeeze through the kitchen door and sit in the kitchen looking for food. It originated near Glasgow (I had a call from the owner after sending an email to the Scottish Racing Union). I even took it 30 miles away, set it off and watched it fly north. Over 8 hours later I was working on my mountian bike i nhte garden, heard a flapping and the ****** was there... standing right behind me. I haven't fed it for weeks, and now it brings a mate to my house roof. I tell ya... I'm doomed!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodentermite Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 it's a diffrent story if your out at night with a torch and the air rifle and your shooting one sleeping on a beam! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted May 31, 2011 Report Share Posted May 31, 2011 Racing pigeons have a different flight to that of a woodpigeon and other pigeons/doves as well as looking somewhat different! Quarry ID is paramount unless you want bother! Wild-living, former racing and homing pigeons often fly with feral pigeons but these birds are strictly protected as they are still regarded as the property of their original owner. While they normally have leg rings to show their ownership, identification in the field can be difficult so, if in doubt, do not shoot. The Clash's Paul Simonon and Topper Headon were prosecuted for shooting pigeons with an air rifle in 1978, but the pair were done for criminal damage as the dead birds were privately owned racing pigeons. Check what's legal on the General Licence! Because if it's not on there it's ILLEGAL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted May 31, 2011 Report Share Posted May 31, 2011 In that case highlander surely ringed pheasants would be protected from being shot on the shoot next door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted May 31, 2011 Report Share Posted May 31, 2011 What's that old saying al4x...everyone loves a smart ****! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted May 31, 2011 Report Share Posted May 31, 2011 (edited) Seems odd to me that you could not tell the difference before you had shot them ,I was reading something about a bloke who shot a swan on a game shoot thinking it was a goose not you was it ? Edited June 3, 2011 by fenboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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