Why Is a Texas Man in Trouble for Eating a Bird Found Dead in His Own Yard?

Ryan Adams of Pflugerville, Texas, thought it was his lucky day when a dove died on his property after crashing into his home. To Adams, this was an easy dinner, but authorities contacting him said he should have turned the bird in.

KRLD reports wildlife officials saying that since it is formal hunting season for the white-winged dove, Adams should have turned it over to a game warden.

“It is illegal to possess any wildlife resource that has not been taken legally,” Texas Parks and Wildlife spokesman Steven Lightfoot said, according to KRLD. “By legal I mean there are certain means and methods… you have to have a hunting license and you have to have the appropriate weapon and ammunition.”

If Adams had hunted the dove with a permit, he would have the legal right to eat it. Adams posted about his meal on his blog.

In one of his latest posts, Adams writes, "It’s definitely been a very interesting 48 hours." He said that everyone with the wildlife department he spoke with regarding the incident was "understanding and polite."

"This whole mess is being chalked up as a learning moment, and I’ll ensure that going forward any wild game that comes into my possession will be done in accordance with the law," he continued. "As a matter of fact I still need to cook a woodcock, and there is lots of time for me to attend a hunters safety course before the season starts. I’m pretty sure they are not native to my area, so don’t expect any 'woodcock flew into my house' stories in the upcoming months."

The wildlife department will not be pressing charges, KRLD reports.

Read more about Adams' account and cooking on his blog here.