2022 Rules? Ground Squirrel Control. Lead Free Ammo and Hunting License Required?

[c good]

A friend of mine owns a vineyard. This is his own private property in S. Cal.

He has a ground squirrel problem and has invited me to come help thin the population.

Do I have to use lead free ammo? Do I need a hunting license? Thanks for any input.

[edgerly779]

Yes on lead free no license if you are named on a depredation permit. No permit then you need license. He does not own those ground squirrels. Non game mammals so dfw regs apply..;

[yoteassasin]

Use an air rifle .. no lead free req

[Irishfisher]

A hunting license is not required for taking non-game animals causing property damage, if taken by the property owner or designee (in writing). No depredation permit is required. Lead free ammo is required for firearms. As Yote stated, airguns are exempt from the lead free requirement. Below is a link to a CDFW publication clarifying the issue.

https://californiaoutdoors.wordpress.com/tag/nongame/

[denpython]

Air rifle .22 caliber and up.

Head shots !

Good idea.

[ChuckD]

Seems like a good opportunity to get a slingshot & practice killing ground squirrels, or archery. Yes, of course a .22 airguns would be more efficient & fun also.

[Benne231]

Air rifles typically shoot steel BB’s or pellets, so no need to worry about being lead-free.

[shootthehorses]

Can I come?

[yoteassasin]

[JagerDog]

Air rifles typically shoot steel BB’s or pellets, so no need to worry about being lead-free.

Pellets are generally lead. But are exempted (DFW doesn't consider them firearms).

That said, few air rifles other than PCP have the velocity to be reliable on ground squirrels. They have quick reactions and can duck subsonic and they don't stay stoopid long so short ranges become few.

On firearms DFW has to give their non-tox blessing regardless what the mfg says it's made of.

[yoteassasin]

https://www.amazon.com/HC87VORTQE25-Rifle-25-Caliber-Synthetic-3-9x32mmx/dp/B00WMQMM3I

This thing is a beast . And not a pcp gun . One shot one kill

[Nottacticool]

Yes on lead free no license if you are named on a depredation permit. No permit then you need license. He does not own those ground squirrels. Non game mammals so dfw regs apply..;

Wow. How can one guy be so consistently wrong? Maybe giving advice is something you should stay away from.

[Cheep]

Wow. How can one guy be so consistently wrong? Maybe giving advice is something you should stay away from.

Please tell us what is wrong in his statement.

[Nottacticool]

Please tell us what is wrong in his statement.

In the op's circumstance, no license or depredation permit is required for taking ground squirrels which are causing damage on op's property.

Refer to irishfisher's post above. He provided a link to his source. Mr FUD never provide's a link, because he pulls his info out of his....

[taperxz]

Make sure you tag them before dressing out.