I've taken my Pigeons and Chickens camping, hiking, vacations, visiting, shopping, etc, for many years, no leash or cage, ... never an incident, but....
. . NOT every Pigeon is suitable to take camping... Best for those birds who cannot fly long distances and maybe get disoriented and lost in an unfamiliar place. Best if your bird can only fly far enough so you easily can retrieve it if necessary. Also, if your bird decides to fly to a tree or someplace inaccessible to you (a tree or over a cliff, in traffic, etc), you may have to wait (hours?) until it decides to come back to you. While you are waiting, your birds life is at risk, especially if it then gets dark.
. . Another MAJOR concern is predators (hawks, fox, etc) or even other peoples dogs.. whether leashed or not (might break loose).
. . If your bird is not one who will reliable stay with you, best to have a leash or cage... but ... there is still the risk that it might "escape" and be gone forever. Even though mine do not need a leash or cage, I keep them in a WIRE cage at night for their protection.. in the tent/camper/motel, etc.. A wire cage will protect them from anything falling on their cage.
Simon was worried he'd have to walk ~:<)
