Is It Legal to Shoot Birds on the Water or on the Ground?

December 24, 2009

Question: Regarding waterfowl hunting, I am curious if it is lawful to shoot a bird that is on the water or, if I’m field hunting, to shoot a bird that is standing on the ground. I do not consider it sporting, but I was party to a group of hunters that took part in the above actions. (Nick V.)

Answer: It’s not illegal, but it’s certainly not sporting as it violates the Fair Chase Principle. “Fair chase” is the ethical, sportsman-like, lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an unfair advantage over such animals. In addition, it can also be unsafe to shoot birds on the ground or on the water because nearby hunters might be in your line of fire.