Band-tailed pigeon hunters encouraged to clip wings

By Sun Advocate

Hunters should plan on spending time in the coniferous forests of southern Utah for the native band-tailed pigeon.
Band-tailed pigeons are most common in woodlands, from the Pine Valley Mountains in the west to the Lasal and Blue Mountains in the east. In 2005, bag and possession limits for band-tailed pigeons are five and 10 respectively. The season closes Sept. 30.
Band-tailed pigeons are the only pigeons in Utah with yellow legs and feet.
Hunters are encouraged to conduct pre-season scouting for band-tailed pigeons. Locate areas where birds are feeding and note their movements from feeding areas to mid-day roosting or loafing areas.
In addition to the HIP registration, pigeon hunters are required to obtain a free permit prior to hunting them. Hunters may obtain band-tailed pigeon permits through one of the following methods:
•online at: http://secure.utah.gov/hflo/hflo.
�drop by any DWR office and pick up a free permit
�telephone any DWR office and provide information for the permit and have the permit mailed to them
Pigeon hunters who take birds are encouraged to clip and save a wing from each bird. Wings can be placed in a bag and stored in a freezer. A sample of hunters will be contacted and provided with envelopes in which to mail wings.
Wings from pigeons help biologists determine sex and age structures as well as reproductive successes in the Four-Corners population of band-tailed pigeons.