Pigeon Shooting

     Most people are familiar with Skeet Shooting.  This sport involves a clay disc that is flung into the air using a machine somewhat similar to a slingshot.  Now imagine the clay pigeons being replaced with live pigeons that are launched into the air one at a time and either shot dead or left wounded to die a slow death.  This is a reality in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, the “only place where this event is still legal” according to the Humane Society of the United States.  These pay-to-play events are by invitation only so the whereabouts are hidden from protesters.  The individuals who shoot the most pigeons are awarded cash or other prizes.
   
     The Humane Society of the United States fought to find supporters for Pennsylvania House Bill 1750, in hopes that this bill would stop the Live Pigeon Shooting events.  According to HB 1750 , the bill passed the Senate with a 36/12 vote status, yet it has not been brought to the House for a vote.  Senator Eichelberger from Pennsylvania, who voted against the bill, stated while in session:

      “Mr. President, we have heard a great concern for pigeons across our State and the humane treatment of said pigeons, but yet we know that pigeons are regarded in many places as a health hazard and problematic as they gather in cities and commercial buildings, farms, and places where they cause a lot of damage and create a lot of health concerns.”

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     Pigeons are a big problem with city dwellers.  Food and water seem to be easy to come by and the threat of predators is low.  They flock to window ledges and find every safe nook and cranny to build a nest to increase their population.  The USDA states that "The feral pigeon is an invasive species responsible for estimated damages totaling more than $1 billion annually. At least 70 human pathogens—including those that cause diseases such as Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis—are known to reside in feral pigeon populations."  Experts at the Saint Louis Zoo and the USDA recommend feeding pigeons OvoControl.  According to APHIS, OvoControl is " an oral contraceptive bait for use on resident or urban Canada goose and feral pigeon populations that reduces the hatch ability of eggs" There are more humane ways to deal with pigeons before they out number us. .

     We have grown as people in the last few centuries.  Our technology is astounding and we have overcome illnesses to where we live much longer then our ancestors.  Yet we still behave the same as those 150 years ago, who shot buffalo from a passing train just for grins.  When are we going to change?

     Thank you for reading!

Renae

     When people want to get a glimpse of some amazing wildlife, our first thought is to travel to the mountains.  But anymore, it seems the mountains are now coming into our cities and our farmlands. For my research assignment, I would like to dig deep into the reasoning behind the current plan to keep species from becoming a "nuisance" or becoming overpopulated in several states. I will be focusing mainly on the animals that are killed only for the thrill of it and not for human consumption.  

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     The sport and means for survival, hunting animals has now taken a different turn. With fears of species becoming overly populated to just wanting to go out and shoot stuff, sponsored events are now held to award a prize to those who can pile up the most animals. These contests are held all over the country, from California to New York.                             

    Baltimore

     Hunting contests are described as basically a means to an end..  The event leaders and the hunters both see these contests as a fun event and as a way to play God by eradicating certain “bothersome” species.  According to a pro predator contest site, pro hunt, the author, Joseph Von Benedikt, states that “Passionate predator hunters test their skills and attempt to augment their incomes, often traveling across state lines to compete.”

     States who allow these contests have their own regulations that contests participants must follow.  Nevada DOW, states that:                           

          Nevada has a very healthy population of coyotes statewide. Though many efforts have been made to reduce its numbers and even to eradicate it, the resilient coyote is as plentiful today as it ever has been. In Nevada coyotes are classified as "unprotected," meaning they are not protected by state law or regulation. While a hunting license or permit is not required to hunt unprotected mammals, including coyotes, every person who takes a coyote by trapping, or sells raw furs for profit shall procure a trapping license.

     California DFW states:    

                                                                                   

          The following non-game birds and mammals may be taken at any time of the year and in any number except as prohibited in Chapter 6: English sparrow, starling, coyote, weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents (excluding tree and flying squirrels, and those listed as fur-bearers, endangered or threatened species).

     Both states share the same unsympathetic view that coyotes need to be eradicated.  Despite the similarities, California allows hunters to go out everyday of the year to hunt these animals.  Both states seem to not require a hunting license, although Nevada does require a license to profit off of the animals carcass.  Another similarity between both states is they allow hunting of all unprotected animals.  Does this mean they have to cover their tracks once a certain animals population becomes threatened?

        

     Each participant needs to pay a fee varies from each different contest.  Whoever wins each category wins the prize associated with that category.  In most cases, more paying participants equal a bigger category cash prize. 

         

     In my blog I will be researching several different Wildlife Killing Contests and searching for answers as to why these events are held.  Some questions I will be looking for are:

1.What happens during these contests?

2. Where are they held and how is the government involved?

3. Is anything being done to end these contests or finding other methods?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Lets begin

I am very interested in seeing the conversations that can develop from this topic.