Shooting Two Ducks With One Shot

November 26, 2008

Question: I was hunting Grizzly Island last weekend and took a shot on a flock of Shovelers, killing two birds with one shot. Afterward, I pondered the question: What if that flock had been pintails and I’d instead killed two pintails in one shot. What should I have done since the limit is one per person? I think if I’d taken the birds to the check station it would have caused a lot of questions and how would I have proven that they were killed by the same shot? I’m sure it would be up to the judgment of the warden but I thought I would ask. (James M.)

Answer: If you’d shot two pintails with one shot, the consequences of this error would differ depending upon how you handled the situation. According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Assistant Chief Mike Carion, here’s what you might expect and what he suggests:
If you’d picked them both up and put them in your bag and the warden found you had two in possession, you may be cited for having an overlimit.

If you didn’t tell the warden you had two and failed to reveal both birds to the game warden when asked, you might additionally be cited for failing to show the extra duck when asked.

If you’d left the other bird in the pond, buried it or hid it, you could have been cited for an overlimit and wanton waste of game.

The best way to avoid any of these consequences in the future would be to not shoot when the birds are so close that you cannot have a clear shot and be able to identify what you’re shooting before pulling the trigger.

Bottom line . . . Waterfowl hunting is a privilege with many restrictions. Ethical hunters must not only be able to identify their ducks, they must know their capabilities and only shoot when they have a clear opportunity without a potential violation. When a flock of birds that has a one bird limit presents itself, it is only safe to shoot when you clearly have one bird separated from the rest of the flock. If the birds are bunched too close, let them go and wait for a better opportunity.

That happened to me back in the mid 70's. I was hunting Black Brant at Morro Bay. I sculled on a big flock right at first light. They jumped and I fired 1 shot knocking down 6 birds. The limit back then was 4. I was shocked! I picked up 4 (the limit) thinking that surely someone else would pick up the other 2 because there were lots of hunters around. I immediately headed in and was met by the warden at the boat ramp. I was cited for over limit and wanton waste for not retrieving the other 2. $550 fine and loss of my shotgun. That was a lot of money back then. Lesson learned. Ouch!

NotaSeal