The Right Hunting Locations for Various Birds
Here’s the information structured by location, with the relevant species listed under each region or country where licensed hunting may be permissible:
United States
In US, licensed hunters can legally hunt certain species like starling, ducks, shorebirds, coots, grouse (including ruffed grouse), chukar, American woodcock and woodcock in designated seasons and regions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many other birds, including owls, osprey, falcons, and others, are protected and illegal to hunt. Always verify local laws before your hunt to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
- Starling:
- They are generally hunted across various states as they are considered invasive.
- Ducks (Various Species):
- Texas
- California
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Shorebirds (e.g., Snipe):
- Florida
- Texas
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- Coots:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Grouse (including Ruffed Grouse):
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
- Pennsylvania
- Montana
- Chukar:
- Nevada
- Idaho
- Utah
- Oregon
- Woodcock:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- New York
- Maine
- Pennsylvania
- American Woodcock:
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- New York
- Maine
- Pennsylvania
Canada
In Canada, licensed hunters can legally hunt certain species like ducks, grouse (including ruffed grouse), and American woodcock in designated seasons and regions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many other birds, including owls, osprey, falcons, and others, are protected and illegal to hunt. Always verify local laws before your hunt to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
- Ducks (Various Species):
- Ontario
- Quebec
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- Grouse (including Ruffed Grouse):
- Ontario
- Quebec
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- American Woodcock:
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- Pelican
- Manitoba
- Alberta
Europe
In Europe, licensed hunters can legally hunt certain species like ducks, shorebirds, coots, grouse (including ruffed grouse), chukar, thrush, and woodcock in designated seasons and regions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many other birds, including owls, osprey, falcons, and others, are protected and illegal to hunt. Always verify local laws before your hunt to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
- Eurasian Goshawk:
- United Kingdom (for licensed falconers)
- Common Buzzard:
- Controlled under specific licenses in some areas, but generally protected.
- Ducks (Various Species):
- France
- United Kingdom
- Shorebirds:
- France
- United Kingdom
- Coots:
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Grouse (including Ruffed Grouse):
- United Kingdom
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
- Chukar:
- Spain
- Greece
- Thrush:
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Woodcock:
- France
- United Kingdom
- Buttonquail
- Spain
- Greece
- Bee-eatersĀ
- Spain
- Italy
- Greece
- Pelican
- Greece
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Osprey
- United Kingdom
- Eastern Europe
- Scandinavia
- Owl
- United Kingdom
- Eastern Europe
- Scandinavia
Australia
In Australia, hunters with the proper permits can legally hunt ducks and shorebirds in specific regions. However, it is important to note that many other bird species, including owls, osprey, and falcons, are protected and illegal to hunt. Adhering to local regulations and acquiring the necessary permits is vital for a legal and responsible hunting experience.
- Ducks (Various Species):
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Shorebirds:
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Buttonquail
- Northern & Eastern regions
- Painted-snipe
- Northern regions
Asia
Hunters in Asia are allowed to target specific bird species such as sandgrouse, chukar, thrush, and bustard in permitted regions and during the appropriate seasons. However, numerous other species, including owls, osprey, falcons, and many others, are protected by law and illegal to hunt. It’s essential to stay informed about local regulations and obtain the proper licenses before embarking on a hunting trip.
- Sandgrouse:
- Pakistan: Some regions may allow hunting with licenses.
- India: Hunting might be allowed under specific conditions in certain areas.
- Chukar:
- Pakistan: Legal hunting with licenses in specific regions.
- Nepal: Hunting is permitted in some areas with proper licensing.
- Afghanistan: Hunting may be permitted in certain regions with appropriate licenses.
- Bustard:
- United Arab Emirates: Hunting under strict regulations, particularly for the Houbara Bustard.
- Pakistan: Regulated hunting is sometimes allowed, especially under specific conservation agreements.
- Central Asian countries (e.g., Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan): Hunting is permitted under strict regulations, often related to conservation efforts and sustainable use policies.
- Buttonquail
- India
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Painted-snipe
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Bulbul
- Pakistan
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Pelican
- Kazakhstan
- India
- Uzbekistan
- Pakistan
- Hornbill
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Osprey
- India
- Southeast Asia
- Pakistan
- Owl
- India
- Southeast Asia
- Pakistan
Africa
In Africa, sandgrouses and bustards are among the bird species that can be legally hunted with the appropriate permits and within regulated areas. Nevertheless, many other birds, such as owls, osprey, falcons, and others, are protected, and hunting them is illegal. Always ensure you are fully aware of the current laws and have the required permissions to hunt legally and ethically.
- Sandgrouse:
- South Africa
- Bustard:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Buttonquail
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Kenya
- Painted-snipe
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Bee-eatersĀ
- Morocco
- Egypt
- Pelican
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Hornbill
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Osprey
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Owl
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Botswana
Latin America
In Latin America, licensed hunters can hunt Crested Caracaras in various regions. The other birds are generally protected and not allowed to hunt.
- Crested Caracaras: Some regulated hunting might be allowed, but generally protected.
Important Note:
Most of the other species listed are protected and cannot be legally hunted. Always check with local wildlife authorities to confirm current regulations and obtain the necessary licenses and permits before planning any hunting activities.