Recently the ABC reported the dry weather is allowing the increasingly successful trapping of Spotted Doves in the Northern Territory. This has raised some questions about the legality of hunting Rock Pigeons (feral pigeons) and particularly tasty Spotted Doves in NSW, previously an offence under the Crimes Act (NSW). To be clear, last year, the Crimes Amendment Act 2007 No 38 was passed removing this offence. Following is an excerpt from the act:
[25] Section 511 Killing pigeons
Omit the section.Explanatory note
The amendment repeals an outdated summary offence (carrying a maximum penalty of $220) of killing, taking or wounding house-doves or pigeons in circumstances not amounting to common law larceny. To the extent that any killing or wounding amounts to unnecessary cruelty, proceedings may be taken under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
So suffice to say you should be free to hunt Spotted Doves as much as you see fit. These are now considered feral animals with no protection under the law from hunters in NSW. Please be sure to identify the Spotted Dove correctly though as Australia has numerous indigenous dove species. All Australian native pigeons are definitely still protected. Following is a photo of the dove in question:
I can only hope my actions will not tar other hunters with my degree of stupidity. Please let this be a reminder to all and sundry to check any rules and regulations that may apply in NSW. To the person who informed the NSW game council - you did the right thing.