Important to Sportsmen of Ulster County

The woods in the Nevesink Valley, in Ulster County, are literally alive with wild pigeons. They first made their appearance in that vicinity in February, but the weather turning very cold, left for other parts, returning as soon as the weather became milder. They now cover an area of about nine miles long by two in width, and have commenced building their nests. In many places they are so thick upon the trees that the boughs break. Thousands have already been killed.

May 4, 1860. Important to sportsmen. New York Daily Tribune 20(5937): 7.

Ten Miles of Pigeons in Western Ulster County

We copy from the Windham (Green Co.) Journal, the following account of a Hunting Expedition in the wilds of Western Ulster — a region of country traversed by ourselves "once in a time," some twenty years ago — drawn thither by the wonderful stories told of trouting in Balsom Lake:

We stated last week that a party of our villagers had started for the Pigeon Encampment on Tuesday afternoon. It is in the town of Denning, Ulster county, on the west branch of the Neversink. The party consisted of Messrs. B.H. Waldron, S.W. Stimpson, Geo. W. Potter, T.D. Traphagen, S.D. Cowles, J.E. Matthews, Edwin Story and Asa Palmer.

They left here at about 2 o'clock, arriving at D.C. Deyo's Westkill, at about 5. After a halt of half an hour, they proceeded to Brownell's Hotel, Shandaken, and up for the night. They left early the next morning, and arrived at the head of Big Indian at about 10 o'clock A.M. Here they left their team and proceeded to cross the mountain on foot a distance of about four miles, to the Hunter's Cabin, around which they found the woods fairly alive with pigeons. The flock is said to be spread over a space of ground some ten miles long and two miles wide.

The trees there are filled with nests in every direction, and the ground is almost covered with eggs and dead pigeons. The hunters shoot into the crowds, and when the birds do not fall within a few steps, they make no effort to find them, but try them again. There was an immense number of hunters on the ground, and when the party from this place came out they met some 150 or 200 persons armed and equipped — for the work of slaughter — who were just "going in."

The country is a perfect wilderness, it being some ten miles through from the settlements in Ulster county, to the settlements in Sullivan. The timber is very large and tall. The west branch of the Neversink is one of the most beautiful streams in the country.

The party encamped one night in the woods, and enjoyed themselves immensely living on broiled pigeons, &c., with nothing to disturb their repose at night save the hootings of one owl, and the barking of few wolves in the distance.

Leaving their encampment on Thursday morning, they returned to the Windham on Friday — having had a pleasant excursion, with no accident to lament, and having captured about 500. Of course the game was liberally divided among the friends of the party, and their being one partridge in the lot, it fell to the share of the printer, with a fine bunch of pigeons for which we return our thanks.

May 16, 1860. Lehigh Register 14(33): 2.

Pigeon Hunting in Oneida County New York

Rumor, than whom there is no fiend more swift of foot, and poisoned tongue, has been much circulated of late, that the woods surrounding this classic villa, were filled to overflowing with flocks of wild pigeons. Acting on this belief and supposition, some half-dozen of our brave and valiant hunters, seizing their "shooting sticks," sallied forth one pleasant morning, to bag the game, and scatter death and destruction on every hand. But alas! how often does noble effort fail to receive its just reward. Though our heroes skirted over hill and dale, through forest and glen, till tired and weary, they wended their way homeward, with only one luckless bird as a trophy; yet they aver that they discovered whole acres of ground, which had but recently been scratched over by the ravenous birds. Our Nimrods will, by this wonderful discovery, doubtless be stimulated to renewed exertions, until the woods cease to echo the cooing notes of the wild pigeon.

May 1, 1862. Pigeon hunting. Clinton Courier 5(35): 3.

Large Shipment of Wild Pigeons from Michigan

Wild Pigeons

A propeller which arrived at Detroit on the 13th inst. had on board 17,000 live pigeons, recently caught near Frankfort, of Benzie County, Mich. This is the largest shipment of live pigeons ever made at one time in the State, and 11,000 of them are to be used at the approaching New York State Convention of Sportsmen, which takes place at Oswego July 25.

June 24, 1874. Knoxville Weekly Chronicle 5(13): 4.

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A propeller which arrived at Detroit on Saturday morning had on board 17,000 live pigeons, recently caught near Frankfort, Benzie county, Mich. This is the largest shipment of live pigeons ever made at one time in the State, and 11,000 of them are to be used at the approaching New York State Convention of Sportsmen, which takes place at Oswego July 25. The Detroit Tribune says: "The pigeons this year about Frankfort are more numerous than they have ever been known before. Mr. D.C. Whitwood, of this city, who returned from Frankfort a few days since, reports that over an area of some three or four miles square the trees are literally covered with pigeons, and about 200 men have been engaged for ten days or more in catching or killing them. Every day from ten to forty barrels of dressed pigeons, packed in ice, have been shipped from Frankfort, besides hundreds of live ones in coops. The roost is in the vicinity of Crystal Lake, a few miles from Frankfort, in a forest of beech trees, the pigeons seeking this place because of the beech nuts, which they feed upon. This flock, previous to roosting her, stayed in Oceana county some ten days or more, and there afforded work and amusement to several hundred men, and thousands of pigeons, dead and alive, were sent to various sections of the country from that point. There are men among the pigeon catchers who have followed this flock from Arkansas and Missouri, and who make pigeon-catching a business, being supplied with nets and all paraphernalia necessary to entrap and catch birds. They get track of a flock of pigeons early in the Spring in the South, and, being acquainted with their habits, are able to follow them the whole year. They generally find men at every place ready to buy their pigeons, and pay the cash for them, the price being from $1.50 per dozen. The pigeon-catchers thought this flock, when they left their roost at Frankfort, would start for the Lake Superior country, thence into Wisconsin, and thence west. Some of the party were getting ready, when Mr. Whitwood left Frankfort, to start for Mackinaw by boat to keep on the track of the pigeons, as they gave indications of being about to take their departure.

July 2, 1874. Wild pigeons. Stroudsburg Jeffersonian 32(7): 2.

Uncounted Millions at Corning Pigeon Roost

How Sportsmen Secure Them

The following description of the great pigeon roost near Corning, is from a recent number of the Rochester Democrat:

There are countless millions of pigeons to be found within one hundred miles of this city. The country lying between the main line of the Erie railroad from Corning to Buffalo, and the Rochester branch from Corning to Avon is literally alive with the birds. Their roosting place is situated in a wild mountainous region west of Coopers, N.Y., a mile this side of Corning, and embracing a tract of land from seven to ten miles square, heavily timbered, and unbroken by clearing highways, from which they issue at daylight and scatter over the country for many miles in search of their food, which consists principally of corn. The birds made their appearance near Coopers, about three weeks ago, and have advanced further west daily, until they now fly as far west as Springwater. During the present week they will, in all probability, be found at all points along the Genesse valley and scattered over the surrounding country, and there is a prospect that a considerable number of these birds will build their nests and breed in this country and to bag them is to go to Coopers, Curtis, Campbell's or Savona, and choose an elevated position directly in the line of flight and shoot as the immense flocks come stringing past. The plan gives an opportunity to shoot in the morning as the birds fly to the feeding grounds, and again at night as they return to roost, and avoid the fatigue of climbing to high, rough wooded hills in which the birds feed during the day.

The writer took trip to Campbell's last week, made big bags, and never had more enjoyment crowded into a two days' trip. The birds fly over the western side of the valley in the morning, and go back on the eastern side at night, flying just above the tree tops as they pass up and down the mountains. Opposite the village of Campbells are three hills; on the top of the centre one our party took up a position, and when the flight commenced, about 5:30 P.M., we could load and fire fast enough to take the flocks as they charged upon us like the waves of the ocean. The flight lasted an hour. From our elevated position we commanded a view of the country for ten of twelve miles in length and five or six in width, and for the entire distance immense flocks could be seen stretching out in long lines until lost in the distance. When nearing the "roost" several flocks arriving simultaneously would sweep together in one immense flock and alight in the trees, in a thick mass, seemingly covering an acre or more. Several trappers are endeavoring to ascertain the exact location of the feeding ground, for the purpose of catching with nuts, but as yet have not come far enough West to meet with success.

May 19, 1875. The Corning pigeon roost. Uncounted millions of pigeons, and how sportsmen secure them. Binghampton Broome Republican 53(47): 3.

Great Flocks and Millions of Pigeons in New York

The Lake Shore Country Full of Pigeons.

Rochester Express yesterday: — Great flocks of pigeons were seen flying over the city this morning. We learn that the woods along the Lake Shore, east and west of Rochester, and south of the city are full of them. A large number of sportsmen started out in different directions last evening and this morning. Wild geese and ducks were seen in the smaller streams back from the lake. Plover are also plenty.

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Millions of Pigeons.

Watertown Dispatch: — The woods about the lake shore swarm with pigeons. Ellisburg is alive with them. They are evidently nesting in the vicinity of Mannsville. Prompt measures should be taken by sportsmen's clubs and others to see that they are not molested during their nesting.

April 12, 1876. Oswego Daily Palladium, page 4.

Pigeons in New York State

Flocks of pigeons miles in length have been flying over Watertown during the last three days. Some of the larger flocks went over this morning. It is believed that they will not nest in this vicinity. We understand that in Ellisburgh, Lorraine, Worth, Rodman and other town, "the woods are full of them," as it were, and that capturing them with nets has commenced. It is a good time for our sportsmen's clubs to organize pigeon shoots. The Oswego Palladium of yesterday said: "From six to seven o'clock this morning the air was almost darkened by immense flocks of pigeon, the noise of whose wings sounded like a strong wind. They were flying rather his an in a northerly direction. Some are said to have been shot on Orphan Asylum hill." — Watertown Times.

April 18, 1876. Pigeons. Little Falls Journal and Courier 13(16): 2.

Spring Shooting of Wild Pigeons Should Stop

Since the advent of comparatively warm weather, nearly every one who likes to shoot has been watching anxiously and with hope to see wild pigeons flying in this vicinity in such numbers as would invite sportsmen to sally forth in their pursuit. But though there have been many reports that the big flocks were heading this way, the expectations built on those statements have thus far proved delusive and the guns remained unused. Pigeons were seen in fair numbers a few days ago at Buffalo and towards Corning, but have now disappeared from those districts, leaving those who hoped for sport to mourn. If there are any so desirous of a day's shooting at pigeons as to visit Tideout, Pa., for the purpose, there is positive assurance that some may be had. George T. Stillson to-day received a communication from a friend at that town, saying that the boys were shooting great numbers and netters were catching the birds by the hundred dozen. They are resting near Tideouts, and must remain there until the young are able to fly. While announcing where the birds may be found, we would not be understood as approving of the custom by which the pigeons are harassed in their nesting ground or during the season of incubation. The system is inhumane, unsportsmanlike, and must if continued assist materially in exterminating the pigeon race. — The necessary destruction of forests in these Eastern States is of itself sufficient to go far in driving the pigeons from the country, and when to this is added the wanton destruction of the birds at all seasons, it is plain that they must soon become about as rare as the dodo. this is a consummation devoutly to be regretted, and sportsmen's clubs should take some effectual action o stop the killing of the birds in this wholesale manner. In this State the law forbids the shooting of the birds within half a mile of the nestling ground, but that provision is useless even if enforced, for the mature birds must fly far from the nests to get food, and can then be slaughtered at will. Killing them at all during the breeding season should cease.

March 28, 1878. The latest from the wild pigeons - spring shooting should stop. Rochester Union and Advertiser 53(74): 2.

Pigeon Year in Ulster County

This is the pigeon year, and the birds may be expected this season to occupy their accustomed roosts in the towns of Denning and Neversink in very large numbers. These towns are usually the resort hundreds of parties intent on bagging the birds, who pay but little attention to the owners of the soil, but carry off loads of game for sale. Like the huckleberries of the Shawangunk the immense flocks of pigeons add largely to the incomes of our population. — Glennville (N.Y.) Press.

April 9, 1879. Pigeon year in Ulster county. Oswego Morning Herald 1(203): 3.

Reports of Vast Numbers of Pigeons

Vast flocks of Pigeons have passed near the lake within the past week, on their western emigration tour. The flocks were composed mostly of young ones, many of which, it appears, were affected with the western fever before they were so strong & perfectly fledged as they should be for such an undertaking, and fell an easy prey to the sportsmen, who were armed with clubs and poles to knock them down as they passed. Some one hundred and sixty were killed near this village, the other morning, by some persons who occupied a high point of land near the lake, over which they passed, and knocked them down with long poles.

They have been in the habit of nesting in the southern part of this county, and we are informed there is a large collection near Sugar Grove, Pa. now engaged in rearing their young, from whence they send out emigrants as fast as they get prepared, to occupy Uncle Sam's territory in the west. The farmers in this vicinity do not look upon these enterprising squatters in a very friendly light, on account of their predatory habits, in visiting the fields of grain in the vicinity. Their habitations are frequently assailed, and immense numbers of the imperfectly fledged young are taken alive, and carried off to gratify the appetites of the city epicures. As they build their nests as compact as possible, literally covering the trees and saplings with them, and sometimes extending their settlements in this way for miles, their capture in therefore rendered comparatively easy. We are informed that these wagons, with over three thousand pigeons from the vicinity of their nesting lately passed near this place, on their way to Buffalo.

The Boston Traveller notices the arrival in the Railroad cars, of three thousand live pigeons in that city. They were brought from Michigan. — They are said to be very fine after being kept a few days and fatted.

June 8, 1842. Pigeons. Fredonia Censor 12(13): 2.

Wild Pigeons at Buffalo

Wild Pigeons in large numbers have made their appearance at Buffalo. For the last few days, immense flocks have been in the woods, between Cold Springs and Black Rock.

March 15, 1845. [Wild pigeons at Buffalo.] Sunbury American and Shamokin Journal 5(25): 2.

Wild Pigeons Brought in Quantity to Albany Market

Wild Pigeons are brought to the Albany markets in such quantities that they cannot be sold. We saw, says the Atlas, 1200 dozen sold on Saturday for about three-quarters of a cent each. The New York markets are also glutted with them.

June 5, 1845. [Wild pigeons brought in quantity to Albany market.] New Hampshire Patriot 11(558): 2. From the Albany Atlas. Also: June 13, 1845 in the Vermont Phoenix 11(42): 4 in article with title: cheap eating.

Fat and Plump Wild Pigeons Killed at Buffalo

Our sportsmen, are enjoying their broiled pigeons and pot-pies, unseasonable as these dishes may seem to most of our readers. It is a singular fact that the woods adjacent to the city are filled with pigeons, fat and plump as ever were taken from the harvest field. They are killed in quantities with the utmost case, we learn from those who what been out. A large flock a day or two since came into the city, and for a time took up position upon the Post Office. These are unusual visitors at this season, and we are at a loss to account for their appearance. Some attribute it to the quantity of beech nuts in the woods and the prospect of an open Winter. — Buff. Express.

January 7, 1847. Wild pigeons. Little Falls Mohawk Courier 13(28): 3.

Flight of Pigeons Observed at Fort Hill

The Auburn Toesin says that during the whole forenoon on Sunday the 4th instant, the horizon at that place was, much of the time, literally darkened by a succession of immense flocks of pigeons winging their way from north to south. Observed from Fort Hill, on the southwestern side of the village, the spectacle was one of unusual interest. Across the wide horizon of the Hill, as far as the eye could reach, dense flocks extended from east to west, which could not have been less than six or seven miles in length.

April 14, 1847. Flight of pigeons. Morrisville Madison Observer 26(1316): 2.

Immense Numbers of Pigeons in New Jersey and New York

We learn there are immense numbers of pigeons in the vicinity of the city, in every direction. The Express on Tuesday says: — We are informed by a market man, this morning, that there was an immense number of wild pigeons to be found about two miles and a half from Hoboken, in New Jersey. They are in the finest condition and so abundant as to break down the trees upon which they alight. One man, before breakfast, a short time since, succeeded in killing no less than three hundred. The younger sportsmen of our city never had a better opportunity to ignite a few pounds of powder.

And the Brooklyn Advertiser of the same day says: — The woods from Flatbush to Fort Hamilton and Bath are swarming with wild pigeons. A sportsman that cannot shoot sixty within the hour is considered but a poor shot. Pigeon pie is a fashionable dish in the state of Long Island, just now.

September 17, 1847. Pigeons. Huntington Long Islander 9(6): 2.

Pigeons Roost in Lewis County, New York

We have received a letter from the pigeon country, which informs us that the pigeon roosts are in Montague and the edge of Osceola, Lewis Co., about eight miles from New Boston, and some four, five or six miles from Redfield; one way to get their is via Pierrepont Manor or Adams — another way, by Florence and Redfield. We further learn that millions upon millions of pigeons are nesting there, and that they occupy the space of some six or seven miles square; a company of five men visited the woods last week, and in the course of one day, they killed over five hundred pigeons; the nests can be reached within a couple of miles, by wagons. — Rome Sentinel.

May 25, 1850. The pigeons. Buffalo Daily Courier 23(104): 2.

Pigeon Shooting - Cheap, but Rather Sharp Practice

For several days past, large flocks of pigeons have been flying over our city, so low as to invite the attention of Sportsmen and bring into service every variety of shooting iron from an old Queen's Arms, to the finest doubled barreled percussion lock fowling piece. At early dawn, the army of pigeon destroyers have mustered in large force, and taking position at different points upon the outskirts of the town, formed in line of battle awaiting the approach of the succeeding flocks, and, when within a convenient distance, the whole squad would fire at will, usually bringing down a majority of the flock. This was rare sport, and invited to the full almost every variety of Sportsmen.

Yesterday morning, a party of about forty were arranged along the turnpike enjoying the sport with rare gusto, until a slight occurrence marred the festivities of the occasion, and the scene changed from one of great hilarity to the deepest and most ungovernable indignation. — They had been shooting nearly an hour, and at every volley the pigeons fell in profusion, and a general scramble for the spoils ensued, with all sorts of collisions, bumping of heads, tearing of birds, &c. One of the party who came, provided with a large market basket in which to bag his game, was most exorbitant in his claims for birds after each discharge, and loudest in his execrations of those who he said had bagged his game. His basket was fast filling up — indeed he had so far secured the lion's share that he became an object of attention and envy. This led to a scrutiny of the man and the accoutrements by which he had been so successful, and judge the surprise of the party, when it was discovered that his old fowling piece had neither percussion, flint, nor firelock. Our hero of the pigeon war had only game through the motions, and when the smoke of the battle lifted he was among the most active in gathering the fruits of expended ammunition. At this discovery a single intimation was sufficient to make him leave the field crowned with more pigeons than glory.

Every community can produce similar characters, who are constantly lifting the fruits of other people's efforts, with the same assurance as if they were honestly their own. So that our pigeon shooter without lock or ammunition, is not an isolated case. — Buff. Exp.

June 13, 1851. Syracuse Daily Journal 7(141): 4.

An Epistle from College Green

An Epistle from College Green

Our green has lately been visited by some half-dozen wild pigeons, who no doubt have escaped from Washington Market, and they have attempted to take up their abode in the trees, but the wrens, who, it would seem, claim a life lease on this their City residence, determined to drive the intruders out, and they have, by the aid of the cats, nearly accomplished it. The latter lie in ambush, while the wrens attack the pigeons, driving them from the trees to the ground, when puss pounces on the weary stranger, and makes no bones of stowing him in her hide. Thus you see, selfishness exists among other "animals" beside man.

Majestically yours,

The Great Sycamore.

July 23, 1851. New York Daily Tribune 11(3202): 7. A portion of the entire column.

Pigeon Trade in New York

From the Plattsburgh (Clinton Co.) Republican.

About the middle of April last, these remarkable birds began to make their appearance in flocks flying from the south in incalculable numbers — flock succeeding flock, covering some four or five miles in length and breadth, a continued succession, surpassing any accurate description. A calculation was made by a good mathematician of the number that passed into the town of Beekmantown, in this county, in two days, (allowing two feet square for each pigeon,) and the amount was nearly one million.

The pigeons encamped and nested on "Rand Hill" in said town, in vast numbers, occupying the forest some six miles in length and from one to two miles in width; and by careful inspection it was ascertained that there were from twenty to eighty nests in a tree. They soon began to fly east from their encampment a few miles to the lake for water, and in such flocks as almost to obscure the sun — the males always flying in the morning and the females in the afternoon. They totally refused grain for some time, subsisting on beech nuts, which were abundant in the vicinity of their nests.

The news of this congregation of "birds of the right sort," soon reached the ears of old pigeons catchers in different parts of the country, and about the first of May a company came from Massachusetts and commenced "baiting." They continued to bait until the pigeons would eat from 4 to 6 bushels of grain per day, and in the mean time other companies came on and commenced business. All persons engaged in netting or shooting these birds were successful beyond precedent. It would be almost impossible to give an accurate account of the whole number taken, but four companies engaged in catching and purchasing, the writer known, forwarded to the different markets not less than one hundred and fifty thousand dozens. The writer was an eye witness to the number caught and dressed by the first company and forwarded to market (the Harris Co., from Massachusetts,) which amounted to four thousand dozens! The companies continued to take them in large numbers until about the 17th July, when in the course of a week not a pigeon could be seen — they flew in a body from their encampment to the northeast, through Henryville, in Canada, and to the forests of the state of Maine.

Large quantities of grain were purchased and fed out — such as cracked corn and buckwheat; the writer had not the means of ascertaining the exact amount, but presumes, from the best information he can obtain, that not less than seven hundred bushels were used in this way.

Purchasers paid from 25 to 50 cents per dozen for live pigeons.

August 11, 1851. The pigeon trade. Buffalo Courier 17(2288): 12.

Wild Pigeon Roost at Rand-Hill

The following item is from the Cottage Gazette, published at Plattsburg, N.Y., will give our readers some idea of the abundance of wild pigeons in that neighborhood, this season:

"From a correspondence in the Republican, we learn it has been calculated that nearly one million pigeons passed into Beekmantown this season, in two days, the flock covering some four or five miles in length. Their roost on Rand-Hill extended in the forest some six miles in length, and from one to two miles in width, each tree containing between twenty and eighty nests. Companies of pigeon-catchers came from Massachusetts and other places, and over 150,000 dozen were sent to the city markets. The Harris Co., from Mass., caught and dressed 4000 dozen. Not less than 700 bushels of grain were used for baiting and other purposes, and from 31 to 56 cents per dozen were paid for live pigeons, and eight cents for dressing them.

"The largest haul was made by Charles Brown, of Mass. He took 1200 at one time and Mr. Harris netted 85 dozen at another. Sportsmen went in on their own hook also, one man having shot 20 dozen in one day with a rifle. The noise made by the birds in the vicinity of the encampment was so great that one could not hear another person speak five yards distant. The ground was literally covered with egg shells for acres and acres around. They disappeared on the 17th of July, taking flight across the lake over the forest north of Vermont, and toward Maine.

"We may add that their flight over this village continued several days before their departure for the east. The line would begin at day-break, flock after flock coming from over the camp-grounds, where hunters would give them shots, sending them along to river to the bridge in this place, from which a salute would be given, to be followed by another from the island below the marble factory, and then by a general volley from on the banks in front of Messrs. Sauly and Swetland. The poor birds would be completely bewildered by this warm reception, wheeling about, throwing themselves into trees or perching on chimnies. They must have thought they were sent for."

September 25, 1851. Wild pigeons. Lehigh Register 5(51): 3.