Sparrow question

If you give a hammer to a child he or she just has to hit something. Give a gun to most folks and the desire to kill comes out of the woodwork. 

I have killed for food and pest control but I can't see how a song bird can do much damage. I am pretty sure my guns will kill a sparrow but I cant see the need.

Just my un asked for opinion.

God Bless

Bobby
 
Sparrows can do significant damage to seedlings on the farm-I've seen it. The sign that it's sparrows is the beak-shaped notches in the leaves. They can take a seedling down to the ground. The guys who farm our place just plant a little extra, usually the damage only happens near cover. We don't see the English sparrows on our place, they seem to like cities and towns best.

All the native sparrows are most likely protected, I never needed or wanted to shoot one myself.
 
When I got into airguns two years ago. I went out and bought a bird identification book for my region. I knew what starlings were. But was not 100% sure what an English Sparrow was. Now I know all my backyard birds. And there are ALOT. But all are native and I have no need or desire to shoot them. (Along with the two cotton tail rabbits and pair of gray squirrels) 

Also. Check with your local Fish and Wildlife for invasive animals. Even hunting regulations on birds can have information on invasive birds. Where you can and can’t hunt them. And how to safely , humanly and legally dispatch them. 
 
I will not drop any sparrows, I haven’t in the past, I was just asking if they are legit pests.
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 Here’s what your grey squirrels could do to your wiring if they get in your attic. Crow 
 
I think they eventually leave and give up. In the early spring I use an air gun. I can walk around and shoot them off hand from 20 to 50 yards. Then they get educated. And honestly I switch to a 12 gauge shotgun with number eight shot. I don’t even like the 12 gauge. However, I have a lot of ammo that I stored up over the years. At that point I flock shoot them.

The funny thing is the song birds get used to me. They will literally sit there and watch while I shoot sparrows. They figured out they’re not at risk.

I’m just like the Sparrows, I refuse to give up. By the middle of the summer I have indigo Bunting’s, Cardinals, cat birds, chickadees, bluebirds And many others. I rarely see a sparrow.

as I move them out of the area, I literally can see the song birds moving back in.

mike


 
Well you definitely had enough gun! I tend to use something a little bit less powerful like a 17. A little quieter also. And I don’t have to worry about where the pellets going after it leaves the barrel.

I’m in a heavily wooded area with 1000 yards between houses. And I pay attention to my direction. With a 25 I wouldn’t be able to do that.

But I bet it was satisfying

mike