TexasCHLforum.com

Not saying its right or wrong... but, from the 2005-2006 TPW outdoor annual:

Page 72. Unprotected birds: The only birds not protected by any state or federal law are European starlings, English sparrows, feral rock doves (common pigeon), and Eurasian collared doves; these species may be killed at any time, their nests destroyed...........(end quote).

Then it goes on to mention a few other species (crows, grackles, etc) that can be dispatched if causing depredation, or concentrated in numbers, or in a manner that would constitute a health hazard or "other nuisance".

From page 55. Means and Methods: Non-game animals (non-protected).
Any lawful firearm, pellet gun, or other air gun is legal.


"flintknappers comments": Of course, there are ordinances prohibiting the discharging of a firearm within the city limits, an air rifle may be different, I don't know.

Depending upon what kind of birds they were shooting, for what reasons, and under what circumstances....they may have been within the legal boundaries. Does it "make good sense"? Well, I'll leave that up to each person to decide.

Personally.. (even as much as I like to hunt) , I'd just go to the car wash.