I am trying to find out if it is legal for me to mount a magpie. I have had two different request to mount these birds this week. One was taken in Texas and the other was taken in Canada.
I have my state license and my federal migratory bird permit. I have not taken in these birds yet because I can not find anyone who really knows for sure. I would appreciate an answer if you know for sure. In the future how can I find out what birds are legal to mount?
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It's the same as any other "Protected" migratory bird. The only exceptions are waterfowl and crows, both have legal seasons. In Canada it may be different, I can only speak to the U.S. regulations. I specifically asked a fed about them years ago, because a state warden(at a border game check) had told us that they were legal to kill in his state. I didn't think it was right so I asked the fed.
Game birds that are legally taken in your state. Migratory birds with legal seasons in the state where they were taken(waterfowl, crows, sandhills, etc). Pigeons("rock doves"), english sparrows, and starlings. Pen raised game birds are usually legal, but may require paperwork in some cases. That's it! State regulations vary as to records and paper trails and selling, so you need to contact your local warden for "his interpretation".
Some states or i should say i know atlest one state that has a season for Magpies and may be taken with hawking/falconry.I have found NO states that alow gunning for them anymore.
My federal permit states "authorized to receive, temporarily possess for taxidermy purposes,properly tagged migratory birds,"so are these magpies properly tagged or what. If it comes from Canada I know it has a small library of paperwork with it. If it comes from another state I would ask the customer to supply you with a copy of that states proclaimation and his permit/license. Personally I agree with old fart, that they are not legal so why risk the potential for a serious problem for a magpie or two. Even if they are egg and chick eating sons of...