Indio, CA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Base rule
- no firearm discharge citywide
- Bird exception
- MBTA depredation permit for coot
- City application lead time
- 20 days before shoot
- Approval authority
- Chief of Police
Summary
Indio bans discharging firearms citywide, so shooting wild birds like coot is unlawful unless done under a federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act depredation permit paired with a matching city permit from the Chief of Police.
The provisions of § 130.080 shall not apply in the following instances:
(A) The discharge of weapons in the defense of life and property;
(B) The discharge of firearms by duly constituted law enforcement officers in the discharge of their duties;
(C) The use of firearms in established shooting areas or archery ranges, in areas authorized by the Chief of Police.
(D) The use of firearms in accordance with the terms and conditions of a depredation permit for the shooting of coot issued by the United States Fish and Wild Life Service of the Department of Interior pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and in compliance with § 130.084.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Indio Municipal Code § 130.080 bans discharging any firearm, air gun, or other projectile weapon anywhere in the city, which as a practical matter protects wild birds from being shot. The only bird-related carve-out, § 130.081(D), allows firearm use under a federal depredation permit for coot issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Even then, § 130.084 requires the permit holder to file a separate city application with the Chief of Police, an indemnification form, and a fee at least 20 days before shooting, and the Chief of Police can set conditions on timing and location to protect public safety.
Violations & Fines
Discharging a firearm at birds without both the federal MBTA depredation permit and Indio's own Chief of Police application is a misdemeanor under § 130.080, punishable per offense-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot birds in my Indio backyard?
Who approves Indio's local bird depredation permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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