Thread: Shooting Pelicans

Should grind them up or haul them to the dumpsters or a cooler to be used as bait. The carcusses not the Pelicans.

Is that your final answer ;-) lol

from wiki:

Alcatraz Island was given its name by the Spanish because of the large numbers of brown pelicans nesting present. The word alcatraz is itself derived from the Arabic al-caduos, a term used for a water-carrying vessel and likened to the pouch of the pelican.

maybe we just send them to prison...

The source is several other regular trusted fisherman that have witnessed the paintball shooting of pelicans. These are people who object to the practice and have been told not to take photos.

Originally Posted by fshntime

The source is several other regular trusted fisherman that have witnessed the paintball shooting of pelicans. These are people who object to the practice and have been told not to take photos.

no photos ....OK shoot videos or the people set up to go live on fb even better

I think that there's a substantial difference between "feeding pelicans" carcasses of whiting (and other fish) and pelicans feeding on discarded whiting carcasses in the water. Tossed a fish, pelicans could maybe-possibly get the fish stuck in its pouch due to the unnatural entry. The bird would seem to have an easier time of it if it gets it (the fish) out of the water and manipulates it in its pouch by itself. Consider that a pelican usually (when fish are available near the surface) gets its meals by dive-bombing from great heights to capture live fish. From the present cleaning station, there's no choice but to discard the carcasses into the water. I'm happy to listen to other suggestions regarding disposal if anybody has solutions, keeping in mind the present state of things. No fish grinder disposal system seems to be in the plans and cleaning the fish at home, at the rental house, condo or hotel room are not realistic alternatives for pier patrons. I've noted many dozens of pelicans at the pier feasting on discards with zero ill effects from all appearances. The bigger threat to pelicans seems to be when they attack a hooked fish or when they fly into fishermen's lines, both of which are perils to the pelican because of coexistence.

I think that the real danger to pelicans, with respect to damage to their pouch, lies in CERTAIN FISH, especially live, being pitched to them. Most people know how damaging a sheepshead's dorsal fins could be. Imagine a small live sheepshead being pitched to a pelican, which would instinctively catch it and then would have difficulty with the puncturing quality of the spines and the strength of the fish. THAT would likely be lethal, as opposed to a pelican in the water washing down a whiting carcass, which lacks those penetrating characteristics.

Again, though - if anyone has a better solution to the present paradigm, I'm open to suggestions. Possibly there need to be alternative strategies for disposing of sheepshead carcasses in the coming months, when the bite heats up.

Tom, its is actually being done as witnesses by several of my friends who have been told not to take pictures! Shootings are at random times. Probably why you haven't witnessed it yet...

would not the paint be seen on the bird? at least for bit? i’ve had the stuff on me for a bit. granted i didn’t dive into water for fish, or shower...

also we’re in their backyard. it’s up to us to find a responsible solution.

If we're not going to get a grinder why doesn't everyone just agree to not throw a whole carcuss over the rail. how much harder could it be to cut it up in 3-4 pieces then throw it over. We have to correct this problem because the next step for the state is to remove the cleaning tables.

Originally Posted by j. gravy

would not the paint be seen on the bird?

You'd think so! I talked to one of the guys today, on the pier, who said that he witnessed it. I think that it's strange that it happened (or happens), but maybe this is a proven technique for keeping pelicans off the pier. I'm hoping that when fish start schooling up, at the top of the water column, those pelicans will start flying off in search of the meals again.