Pigeons for Dog Training

[connordude27]

So I am wondering how you all find a source of pigeons if you don’t have the ability to trap them yourselves? Is it just a matter of networking more? I have my first dog, a 1.5y/o setter that could definitely use whatever tools I can get him. Located in North Central WY and it’s been a struggle to find pigeons.

For alternative routes, I joined NAVHDA but haven’t heard back yet from the local chapters I reached out to. Craigslist and even asking locally have been a wash so far. Googling shows some old ads for some birds a few states away.

Thanks everyone!

 

[jmez]

You can get them shipped. Look at racing or homing pigeons. They are going to cost more than run of mill pigeons but you would have birds.

Do you know any farmers/ranchers or business owners that have them around? It usually isn't hard to get permission to catch them. They are easy to catch at night. No messing with traps that way.

Can also order game birds and have them shipped. Coturnix quail are the most popular but they are not real strong flyers. They are easy for a dog to catch if you aren't careful. I prefer bobwhites but still have to be careful with them.


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[Truck24hr]

Couldn't you find wild birds in that area?

 

[Hwcopley]

You can ask a shooting preserve in your area if there are any. I’d bet they have a source for pigeons or know someone who has them.

I’ve also found them by checking with 4h clubs. My current pigeon source has show pigeons and he sells the ones that don’t show well

 

[connordude27]

You can get them shipped. Look at racing or homing pigeons. They are going to cost more than run of mill pigeons but you would have birds.

Do you know any farmers/ranchers or business owners that have them around? It usually isn't hard to get permission to catch them. They are easy to catch at night. No messing with traps that way.

Can also order game birds and have them shipped. Coturnix quail are the most popular but they are not real strong flyers. They are easy for a dog to catch if you aren't careful. I prefer bobwhites but still have to be careful with them.


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That’s a great idea. I might just have to take a drive this weekend and see if I can spot any at any of the rail depots around here. I’ll have to look into the “game bird farm licenses here”

Couldn't you find wild birds in that area?

There are wild game birds around like sharpies and blues but I cannot run the dogs on them when the season is closed.

You can ask a shooting preserve in your area if there are any. I’d bet they have a source for pigeons or know someone who has them.

I’ve also found them by checking with 4h clubs. My current pigeon source has show pigeons and he sells the ones that don’t show well

That’s a great idea too. I know there are plenty of 4H clubs around here. Had no idea they showed pigeons.

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone. I’ll have to start tracking down these leads

 

[Truck24hr]

Is there a season to train on wild birds? I'd rather hold off bird intro if there was a chance to put the dog on wild birds. You'll save time and money, and not set the dog back WHEN he catches a farm bird.

Pigeons are great, but you really need launchers

 

[connordude27]

Is there a season to train on wild birds? I'd rather hold off bird intro if there was a chance to put the dog on wild birds. You'll save time and money, and not set the dog back WHEN he catches a farm bird.

Pigeons are great, but you really need launchers

So I am about 150 pages in scanning the game code for Wyoming and am finding nothing concerning training seasons. I will ask the local game warden and report back.

I guess to clarify, he has been on wild birds before, this is more to keep him sharp in the summer when my time is limited and the season approaches

 

[jmez]

Been training with pigeons for years and not used launchers. Tuck their head , spin them, and they will stay put for a long time.

 

[mlchase]

Where you at in WY? My source of feral birds is trapping or catching grain bin birds here in western NE and some handy-down homing pigeons from other training buds. Some pigeon places will also sell you a breeding pair where you can create your own birds in time - especially for homers. I also have created my own homing flock by catching feral "peepers" that haven't flown yet, accomodating them to my coop and then having them fly with my birds. Launchers can be helpful if your dog is getting too close, but I agree they are not a must. If the dog allows, I prefer these foot flush traps - https://www.dogsunlimited.com/i/883/tip-up-bird-releaser.htm

 

[Fetty Wapiti]

How far to the nearest city? Pigeons are pretty darn easy to catch and most can be recaptured use after use. I

 

[Dos Perros]

I am aware of no regulations against running dogs on wild birds on public land. That is common practice for western bird hunters I know. There are some obvious times to avoid doing that, but nothing in the law.

 

[KurtR]

I am aware of no regulations against running dogs on wild birds on public land. That is common practice for western bird hunters I know. There are some obvious times to avoid doing that, but nothing in the law.

South Dakota has specific times you cant train on public ground

 

[2ski]

I've been told that pigeons can't fly when wet so if you go in at night to a barn, bring a squirt gun and a net. I'm sure a farmer would be more than happy to let you nab them.

How far from Billings are you? There's a NAVDHA chapter opening there I think. Let me know if you want me to find you more info.

 

[KurtR]

I've been told that pigeons can't fly when wet so if you go in at night to a barn, bring a squirt gun and a net. I'm sure a farmer would be more than happy to let you nab them.

How far from Billings are you? There's a NAVDHA chapter opening there I think. Let me know if you want me to find you more info.

they just hardly fly at night. I can go catch 20 in about 10 minutes with the fishing net. I sell a bunch in the summer

 

[Macro]

fishing net and a bridge or local park. And make sure someone films it for a good laugh.

 

[connordude27]

Where you at in WY? My source of feral birds is trapping or catching grain bin birds here in western NE and some handy-down homing pigeons from other training buds. Some pigeon places will also sell you a breeding pair where you can create your own birds in time - especially for homers. I also have created my own homing flock by catching feral "peepers" that haven't flown yet, accomodating them to my coop and then having them fly with my birds. Launchers can be helpful if your dog is getting too close, but I agree they are not a must. If the dog allows, I prefer these foot flush traps - https://www.dogsunlimited.com/i/883/tip-up-bird-releaser.htm

I’m in the Buffalo/Sheridan area. I’ll have to look into those foot traps. I did find a couple silos that had pigeons around them. I’ll have to build a coop for them but it should be easy enough to extend off an existing chicken coop.

I've been told that pigeons can't fly when wet so if you go in at night to a barn, bring a squirt gun and a net. I'm sure a farmer would be more than happy to let you nab them.

How far from Billings are you? There's a NAVDHA chapter opening there I think. Let me know if you want me to find you more info.

Billings would definitely be one of the closest NAVDHA chapters to me. Probably a tie with the Black Hills chapter, if you have more info that would be awesome. Thanks!

Appreciate all the suggestions from everyone. Definitely should be able to get something going.

 

[ks farmer]

Most dogs tire out or get disinterested in pigeons particularly if using homers and no kill.