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crows and the law

updated fri 12 sep 03

 

C. A. Sanger on thu 11 sep 03


I might be mistaken, but I was under the impression that crows are
protected by a federal agreement with Mexico. I live in Kansas, and
have been told by locals that you may not harm crows, or keep them as
pets. I don't know about their feathers. C. A. Sanger

ShardRock Clay Studio <:)}}}><
Herington, Kansas

Dave Finkelnburg on thu 11 sep 03


Chuck,
You are correct, there is a US-Mexico treaty affecting certain migratory
birds, including crows. In the US that means you may not harm crows except
in a manner and at a time established in law by your state, such law having
to be consistent with Federal regulations.
Corvids, the bird family of crows, ravens, magpies and jays, are among
the most intelligent of birds. Can you remember at the same time 144
separate locations where you stashed food? One kind of North American jay,
the Clark's Nutcracker, can!
Good potting,
Dave Finkelnburg
www.idahopots.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "C. A. Sanger"
> I might be mistaken, but I was under the impression that crows are
> protected by a federal agreement with Mexico. I live in Kansas, and
> have been told by locals that you may not harm crows, or keep them as
> pets. I don't know about their feathers. C. A. Sanger

Leland G. Hall on thu 11 sep 03


Shardrock wrote:
I might be mistaken, but I was under the impression that crows are
protected by a federal agreement with Mexico. I live in Kansas, and
have been told by locals that you may not harm crows, or keep them as
pets. I don't know about their feathers. C. A. Sanger

ShardRock Clay Studio <:)}}}><
Herington, Kansas
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Before The Wheel says:
I don't know about that. But here in Oregon, they are listed in the annual
Fish and Game Synopsis as a "game bird". There is a season and a bag limit.

I've never beena able to figure out why. Crows are real scavengers, will
eat just about any thing, so like most other svavengers, their meat is
probably not too tasty. I'm guessing this is where the "eat crow" saying
comes from, but I don't really claim to know.

I do know, from years of living with them and their raven brothers in S.E.
Alaska, that they are really, really, intelligent. Suprisingly so. Quite
a sophisticated social order too. And they have language I'm sure. My
guess is that these are reasons why my Native American ancestors came up
with so many different types of mythology that involve the crow and raven.

For those who seek colorful feathers for art projects, may I suggest
fishing tackle shops. Fly tiers use these, and shops that cater to these
guys have a great supply of many exotic and colorful feathers.

Leland Hall
Before The Wheel Pottery
La Pine, OR

Cheryl Weickert on thu 11 sep 03


Okay all I found the regulations pertaining to crows from the Federal
Reguations Part 21 Migratory bird permits put out by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. It states:

A Federal permit shall not be required to control yellow-headed red-winged,
Rusty and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, all grackles, crows, and magpies,
when found committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or
shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock or wildlife, or when
concentrated in such numbers and manner to constitute a health hazard or
other nuisance; Provided:
(a) That none of the birds killed pursuant to this section, nor their
plumage, shall be sold or offered for sale, but may be possessed,
transported and otherwise disposed of or utilized.
(b) That any person exercising any of the privileges granted by this
section shall permit at all reasonable times including during actual
operation, and Federal of State game or deputy game agent, warden,
protector, or other game law enforcement officer free and unrestricted
access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being
conducted; and shall furnish promply to such officer whatever information
he may require, concerning said operations.
(c) That notheing in the section shall be construed to authorize the
killing of such birds contrary to any State laws or regulation; and that
none of the privileges granted under this section shall be exercised unless
the person possesses whatever permit as may be required for such activities
by the State concerned.

In Minnesota there is a season on crows but they also can be shot anytime
if they are causing damage. You would have to look into the laws on this
in each state. It is not against federal law to use the feathers but you
can not sell them.

Reminds me of a prank some high school boys pulled a few years ago. Out
one night they found a road-killed deer, took it to the high school and sat
it on the toilet in the boys bathroom. The staff got a good laugh from it
but the local conservation officer wasn't impressed at all. The boys got
fined for moving a protected animal without the proper permits.

Pinky
West-central Minnesota, where the deer and the wood chucks play! If anyone
would like some chicken feathers let me know, sorry don't have white
chickens tho.