Pigeon control
- Thread starter 4V50 Gary
- Start date
AF Shooter
New member
.22 CB Shorts out of a scoped single-shot NEF break-over rifle. Neighbors never had a clue 
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Tom Whitman
SSgt, USAF
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Tom Whitman
SSgt, USAF
I've found a great way to smoke pigeons at short range (0-25 yds)- use a pump-up BB gun. Pump it and load it like normal. Then put two more BBs in the muzzle, and tip the gun up. The magnet holding the first BB should be strong enough to hold all three. Then just shoot like you normally would, and hold a bit high.
Instead of a single-projectile BB gun, you now have a single shot mini-shotgun. It limits the velocity and range a good bit, but at close range it will absolutely level even a large pigeon. It will turn blackbirds and Blue Jays into puffs of feathers, too. Compensating for the added drop takes some getting used to, but the sheer stopping power makes up for it. Have fun!
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"Oh yeah? Well I talk LOOOUDLY! And I carry a BIIIGGER stick! And I'll use it, too." -Yoesemite Sam
Instead of a single-projectile BB gun, you now have a single shot mini-shotgun. It limits the velocity and range a good bit, but at close range it will absolutely level even a large pigeon. It will turn blackbirds and Blue Jays into puffs of feathers, too. Compensating for the added drop takes some getting used to, but the sheer stopping power makes up for it. Have fun!
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"Oh yeah? Well I talk LOOOUDLY! And I carry a BIIIGGER stick! And I'll use it, too." -Yoesemite Sam
Miss Demeanors
New member
My old neighbor used to have those homing pigeons. His balcony was adjacent to mine, therefore there were pigeons all over my balcony. A friend told me to feed them alka-saltzer (sp)....but I never did. Wonder if it works? 
Sure wish I had been into shooting at that time.
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RKBA forums
We are as one as we all are the same fighting for one cause -Metallica
Sure wish I had been into shooting at that time. ------------------
Sandys' Homepage
RKBA forums
We are as one as we all are the same fighting for one cause -Metallica
Big Al,
Thanks for the tip. Just about every morning my wife and I are awakened by this damned crow cawing his lungs outside our window. We live on the second floor of an apartment complex in the city limits so my options have been limited. Well, I'm going to blast that crow outta that tree tomorrow morning from my balconey. I've got Crossman pump BB/pellet gun just waiting for him! More to come...
Thanks for the tip. Just about every morning my wife and I are awakened by this damned crow cawing his lungs outside our window. We live on the second floor of an apartment complex in the city limits so my options have been limited. Well, I'm going to blast that crow outta that tree tomorrow morning from my balconey. I've got Crossman pump BB/pellet gun just waiting for him! More to come...
I don't recommend using the shotgun approach (multiple BBs) if that crow drops near the apt. If anybody does any investigation, it could lead to you. Better to injure it fatally (lung shot), let it fly away and die elsewhere. Nobody would then know any the better and if it doesn't return, you know you've scored.
Oh brother...shooting birds is the last thing you should consider. In the case of crows they are game animals in most states and shooting them may bring more trouble then they are worth. Remember that most people like birds, even those filthy pigeons, and seing dead birds can be a big PR problem.
I have heard that Alka seltzer thing too, it is an "Urban myth", besides it tastes so bad the birds won't go near it.
There are many repellents on the market, ranging from Polybutene gels (same stuff that makes lipstick go on smoothe) to gels with a mild blistering agent. Birds do not like to stand in Polybutene gel it so putting it on the ledges they sit on will drive them off. Needle strips are used on buildings, kind of like Punji stakes for birds, but they are expensive and difficult to install. Bird nets can be used to keep birds out of areas they fly into or roost, but are expensive and difficult to install properly.
There are traps for birds, but these are difficult and time consuming to use. Helium baloons with holographic eyes will often scare of birds for a few days untill they get used to them. There is a whole line of fake owls, rubber snakes etc that are marginally effective.
The best stuff for the homeowner is the Polybutene gel, it goes on easily and does repel the birds. Downside is that it often runs and must be replaced every six months or so. One trade name is "4 the birds". It is not restricted so should be available from a local pest control company or supplier.
Poisons should not be used, as they are indiscriminate and may kill songbirds instead of the pigeons. Remember that most bird species are protected, except for Pigeons, Starlings and English (House) sparrows which are classed as vermin. Vermin can generally be dispatched without violating any laws as long as it is done humanely.
If you shoot them, get rid of the bodies before the local ladies club sees them!
So much for a short course in bird control, it is a lot more difficult that it seems.
Geoff Ross
[This message has been edited by K80Geoff (edited March 28, 2000).]
I have heard that Alka seltzer thing too, it is an "Urban myth", besides it tastes so bad the birds won't go near it.
There are many repellents on the market, ranging from Polybutene gels (same stuff that makes lipstick go on smoothe) to gels with a mild blistering agent. Birds do not like to stand in Polybutene gel it so putting it on the ledges they sit on will drive them off. Needle strips are used on buildings, kind of like Punji stakes for birds, but they are expensive and difficult to install. Bird nets can be used to keep birds out of areas they fly into or roost, but are expensive and difficult to install properly.
There are traps for birds, but these are difficult and time consuming to use. Helium baloons with holographic eyes will often scare of birds for a few days untill they get used to them. There is a whole line of fake owls, rubber snakes etc that are marginally effective.
The best stuff for the homeowner is the Polybutene gel, it goes on easily and does repel the birds. Downside is that it often runs and must be replaced every six months or so. One trade name is "4 the birds". It is not restricted so should be available from a local pest control company or supplier.
Poisons should not be used, as they are indiscriminate and may kill songbirds instead of the pigeons. Remember that most bird species are protected, except for Pigeons, Starlings and English (House) sparrows which are classed as vermin. Vermin can generally be dispatched without violating any laws as long as it is done humanely.
If you shoot them, get rid of the bodies before the local ladies club sees them!
So much for a short course in bird control, it is a lot more difficult that it seems.
Geoff Ross
[This message has been edited by K80Geoff (edited March 28, 2000).]
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
Tastes like chicken...
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"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." -Nixon
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"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." -Nixon
Hmmmm...open season on crows here year 'round, no bag limit. They're listed in the same sentance as starlings. Could be cuz we're out in the middle of hundreds of miles of farmland (seems like there's something mentioned about "depredation of crops) Heck, get yerself a window box and a tomatoe plant or something. "SOB was destroying my crop, blew him right off of the balcony" 
If it squawks early in the morning, it's history. What's a "songbird?" j/k
If it squawks early in the morning, it's history. What's a "songbird?" j/k