I don't know where to ask this question so maybe you guys can get me started on the right track to find out.
Is it illegal to shoot and kill European Starlings?
I know that they are an invasive species and are a threat to our native birds and farms.
I hate these nasty birds and would like to safe a few backyard fruits this year.
Thought that I ask so that I don't do anything illegal.

open season.

Fire away. Youl find that you will spend a lot of time and ammo and they will just keep coming. Their smart little bastards and they know when your around and what range they are safe at. You might get a bunch at first, then they get sneaky. I remember back in the mid 90's they gassed a bunch out of the trees in downtown Seattle.


Your neighbors will hate you but you can try a propane popper like they use in vineyards, probably the best method i've seen. I have seen all kinds of bird detractants and some birds dont care. I've seen reflective tape, owl decoys, magpie traps. They get rid of a few but they still keep trying to get to what they want most (Food).

What kind of fruit are you trying to save??

Hey guys, not that I don't belief you but could you give me a link on this issue. I don't want any freakin humaine society peta BS taking me to court.
Yes j7, I've used all of those things. Currently I have the audio system that plays the dying bird sounds and the predator sounds.
That system works pretty good at the beginning of the season, but soon the smell of ripe figs is too temping and they totally ignore the noise. As for the fake owl and hawk, they provide an excellent perch and crapping facilities for them stinkin starlings.
Please show me the law so that I can kill them proudly.

Thanks

I looked through this years regs and it is not in there any more. They must be getting burned on what hey put in the regs book. I'd check the WDFW website. I'm pretty sure you can blast them in the act of depredation.

I found it Iron Head. Commence fire. Its a bit of reading until you get to the good stuff. I have been in your shoes and I can tell you they will keep coming as long as you supply the chow.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/starlings.htm

Good grief, just shoot the darn things, and anything else that comes into your territory uninvited.

Especialy PETA. I had the chance to pull the stakes out of their tent at a concert one time but my wife didnt have enough cash to bail me out of jail. I really dont see eye to eye with some of those folks. "Meat is murder"------ Yeah no Sh%t----Tastes good to!

They can do pretty much whatever they want with their meat on their property as far as I'm concerned, I'll do likewise.

Thanks j7 I am totally satified now. Them bastards are going to eat BBs and small bits of lead this summer, for sure. The thing is, I have no problems sharing fruits to wildlife but the problem I have with starlings is that they will peck holes in every single fruit and leave it to rot.
As for peta, if there is a season open for them, I'll be in line for the drawing.

Hold up before you start popping them. I see that your LOC is Tacoma. There are several areas you can't even shoot a BB gun in Tacoma. Check with your local TPD or PCS officer to make sure. Don't give your neighbors anything to get you with.

Thanks for covering my back Big Jim.
I'll do that for sure.

Give the neighborhood kids a fifty cent bounty per bird...they'll figure out a way....

Better yet, if you find out that you live in a place where BB guns are against the law, then MOVE !

I wish there were more birds around my house to shoot, send me those Starlings, and maybe some pigeons and crows too.......I know exactly how to deal with them !

Happiness is a bait pile of birdseed, a good RWS, and a few beers for the wait....

You can make a pretty gnarly blow gun with a length of 1/2" conduit, an ear plug, and 6" or so of sharpened stainless steel wire :-) You'll be proficient in no time!!! We had a pigeon problem where I used to work. They'd shite all over the equipment & hand rails. Management wouldn't do anything, so us nightshifters took action. Within a week every pigeon was gone! We spent many nights chasing down birds sporting several darts that just refused to die...couldn't leave any evidence behind :-) Don't even think about asking me how to play pigeon baseball!!!
:-)

The problem i have with starlings, is that they will invade a chicadee's nest and pull all the babies out and kill them. I like to feed the chicadee's and finches. They are interesting to watch. As for starlings, let the blasting begin.

Just make sure you arent in an area where the discharge of firearms is prohibited. And pellet guns also fall under that rule. And I know--Ive been read the riot act over that one.

Or, just do the real right thing, and shoot the birds with whatever makes sense, but don't get caught, (in trouble) in the process.