Build your own pigeon trap

If you train your hunting dogs using live birds, but have trouble with the cost of pen raised quail and pheasant,

there is a solution — trap live pigeons for dog training.

Pigeons, or rock doves, are native to Europe and were brought here by settlers in the 1600s. They were domesticated birds that served as pets, food and occasionally for their homing skills as message carriers and racing birds. They are found across North America and have adapted to a wide variety of environments, from rural farm lots to city parks.

Since they are not native, pigeon trapping usually does not require any special permits or licenses from state agencies. However, it is always good to check with local authorities in case there are any special rules or local permits for nuisance trapping in your area.

Pigeon traps vary in size and material, but most feature a one-way entrance that prevents the bird from exiting the trap. Use an open mesh to allow other pigeons to see the bait and other birds inside trap. Pigeons are social birds and will fill a trap quickly if they see others feeding inside.

Here's a basic wire trap that can be built in about an hour. — mohamed muzammil

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MATERIALS

Cage

• poultry mesh or cage wire
• (2) 10-foot x ½-inch PVC pipe
• (8) ½-inch PVC 90 degree elbows
• (4) ½-inch PVC tee joints
• wire cutters
• fencing wire, wire ties or zip ties

One-way Door

• scrap aluminum arrows, or 3/8-inch wooden dowels (door), cut into 9-inch segments
• ⅛-inch solid metal rod or bamboo skewer (hinge), 12 inches long
• ⅜-inch PVC pipe (spacers), cut into ½-inch segments

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ALL COOPED UP

1. Build the cage frame with PVC piping, with rough dimensions about the size of a medium-sized suitcase (24"x12"x12"). If cage wire is stiff enough (10- to 14-gauge wire), you may omit the PVC frame.
2. Secure wire panels to PVC frame using wire or zip ties.
3. Create a one-way door using arrow shafts or dowels and metal rod/bamboo skewer for the hinge and 3⁄8-inch PVC spacers.
4. Make a one-way entrance on PVC side of trap (8"x8").
5. Create an access panel on top of cage, near the one-way door.
6. Install one-way door on entrance, using wire or zip ties.
   

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Trap pigeons

• Place the trap where pigeons congregate, such as feeding spots. On roofs, leave the trap near roosting sites or watering areas (around air conditioners).
• Spread feed around trap entrances and inside floor of the trap.
• Leave a water bowl inside cage and check the trap every 24 to 48 hours.