US Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Visit

[Taceas]

Jen, the hawks have primarily been after my pigeons, not my chickens. Most of my chickens are 2-3x the size of your average Coopers or Sharp Shinned Hawk (the two species I've seen and caught). I think because we're in the forest the larger species of hawks that could hunt chickens aren't around since they aren't as nimble in the forest and are primarily open ground hunters, such as the otherwise ubiquitous Red Tailed Hawks.

They just told me what I already know, to cover my pigeon pen in smaller holed wire (chicken wire/rabbit wire) and let the hawks sit there and do their thing and leave them alone. But like I told them I'm not going to be messing with wire when its 20 degrees out or colder like it has been. It's supposed to be warmer the next couple of days so maybe I can get the pen doubly wrapped up.

They also noticed my other hobby, wild bird feeding and suggested I stop feeding the wild birds because it creates a scene that those two species of hawks would be drawn in from since they're primarily song bird predators. Then they see the pigeons and they're hooked to their own private McDonalds in the backyard. Considering its the middle of winter and I've got zillions of birds from many different species I would feel really bad just cutting them off without anything to eat at this time.

[galenwbritt]

Originally Posted by Taceas

They also noticed my other hobby, wild bird feeding and suggested I stop feeding the wild birds

Do they mind if you grow vegetables in your own garden........you could draw the attention of unwanted pests, rodents and other wildlife if your not too careful.

You might need to put a "bubble" around your home and property, to keep you away from society.

G

[Carol]

Well whoever it was, they did us all a disfavor. Sorry Misty!

[Taceas]

Originally Posted by Galen

Do they mind if you grow vegetables in your own garden.

Shh...growing your own tomatoes and carrots will be the next item in violation of federal laws if they had their druthers, imho.

There's been a whole fight where they want people who aren't big corporate meat producers (you know, the ones who feed the public) to submit to property identification and animal RFID tags and notify them within 24hrs if your animal so much as farts, all in the name of "food safety".

So even me with my 20 chickens would have to shell out money every year and pay to have my chickens implanted with RFID tags just because, while the people who raise your chickens and steaks in the grocery store are exempt from it. Gee, could it be because the largest RFID company sponsored the whole thing with the largest corporate meat producer conglomerates? While me who owns chickens we feeds only my family are the ones subject to federal regulations.

Check out NoNAIS.org sometime for some really blood pressure raising literature.

[DemonFrog]

I'm sorry for their intrusion into your privacy, but perhaps the person who called in the tip did the hobby a favor by having them find NOTHING!
Keep up th good work misty.
Shame on corrupt governments/govn't agencys everywhere.

[Serpwidgets]

Be aware that by inviting them into your home, you waived your fourth amendment rights during that visit.

I realize that you have nothing to hide, but in a free society, it is not your obligation as a citizen to prove your innocence to every law enforcement officer who feels like harrassing you because they are personally curious about the details of your private life. And that's really what that visit came down to: a bored cop with no evidence goes on a fishing expedition.

If they actually had a real reason to believe there was some wrongdoing, they would have brought that reason before a judge and gotten a warrant. Instead, they rely on manipulation: people are intimidated by their perceived authority, and people are uncomfortable feeling like a suspect.

[Taceas]

Yes, I realized all of that AFTER they left.

But I also didn't want to be rude and leave them standing out in 15* weather, or stand out there with them to talk. Nor did I want to vehemently state my rights, as to me that almost seems to imply guilt if you feel the need to have to do it (even though I know its my right).

I think it just caught me as a shock that the driveway alarm didn't go off when they drove up, someone is knocking on the front door, I peek out the window and see someone dressed formally and someone with badges and a gun and kind of lost my rational train of thought.

What they saw in plain view while inside was absolutely nothing besides a cluttered house.

[Zythen]

If you registered your website with your home address then finding that info is easy for them.

[Caroline]

I am so sorry for you Misty and feel so bad it come from here. Should we make it private and with invitations only ?

Glad it ended up ok for you.

[Nanci]

Well, that's really horrible. At least you were on the up-and-up. At least they didn't manufacture something. Sometimes I think how much my home security would improve (or at least my perception of it) if I posted a "Caution: Venomous Snakes" sign on the doors. (I don't have any). But then I think good luck convincing someone not familiar with a Nelson's Milksnake or my Tri-Hoggy that it _isn't_ venomous, if I get reported by UPS or USPS or who knows who else. Some burglar. They say you always get caught doing your illegal activity by accident- the police or fire department comes to your house on some other complaint or legitimate call, and happen to find your pot garden or your Gopher Tortoise stock or your leucistic Western hoggy.

I wonder what would have happened if you told USFW they had to come back with a warrant.