Bluejays to shoot or not to shoot

[markT]

Blue jays were put here for reforestation. They carry acrons and drop them randomly. What a concept. They are fantastic for locating snakes. They do raise heck and point you out while in the woods but a few close warning shots with a pellet rifle will run them off. I’m sure the DNR would appreciate the “Blue Jay” tax if you decide to terminate one or two. 

 

[Woodsie]

The Jays that frequent my backyard mind their manners and are cool to watch, Starlings and Grackles on the other hand 

 

[davelarson]

They come most mornings for sunflower seeds and dry cat food lol! I enjoy all the cool sounds they make. I’m really lucky to have a busy back porch. 

 

[JohnL57]

Dave, that's a fine looking Black dog you have there! Have you taught it to retrieve?

 

[davelarson]

So far the bear is not being troublesome, but I had to use bear spray to drive him off. I haven’t tried to teach him to retrieve, but from the look in his eyes I don’t think he’s going to respond well lol! I’m hopeful that he won’t come back this spring when he wakes up. I had to stop feeding the cat on the porch, and also had to quit feeding the birds to discourage him. Once they get used to people it gets bad fast. A few years back a bear was breaking into my neighbors trailer...while they screamed and yelled at it! That one was a dangerous bear even though it wasn’t very big. The blue jays are more predictable lol!

 

[survivor45]

I have had a pair of Steller Jays visiting my yard for many years. Then here in the last two years. When I got into air guns. I put up a bird feeder. Hoping to attract some house sparrows and starlings. (No such luck ). But a few months ago. A pair of Scrub Jays have shown up. I have no need to shoot these birds. I like seeing them in my yard. When I got into air guns. I actually went out and bought a bird book so I could identify my backyard birds. 
Not going to lie. I was hoping to identify lots of invasive birds. Turns out all mine are native.

 

[sasquatch]

It depends on if their numbers are out of control. I get them on the feeders in summer like mad. Then I thin a few. But I never annihilate them all. In winter they seem to be a lot smaller in numbers so I leave em then