Hunting squirrels on private property

[tony270]

Me too, we still need a hunting licence to shoot ground squirrels only we ddon't have to collect and eat them like we do tree squirrels, .

[sbcfd]

Talked to a local DFG guy and it is his understanding that ground squirrels are a nusance animal and no license or limit apply.

[pakk]

Talked to a local DFG guy and it is his understanding that ground squirrels are a nusance animal and no license or limit apply.

That is the land owners understanding as well. I spoke with him the other day and he has allowed several people in the past to shoot ground squirrels on his property with only verbal permission. I showed him the permission form and he had no problem signing it. Better safe than sorry.

[Shoot-it]

The farmer does not need one he is protecting his crops. Trust me you need one I was checked a few years ago on my family's farm.It's up to you maybe with a note you can pull it off.

[AAShooter]

Contact the local warden and discuss it with him. He is the one that will be citing you so a quick phone call is worth the time. Of course, having a hunting license will allow you to capitalize on opportunities that may present themselves.

[Shoot-it]

Doe's not matter what the land owner thinks etc.The warden will go with the law of this state and you will get the ticket not him.

[Tripper]

That is the land owners understanding as well. I spoke with him the other day and he has allowed several people in the past to shoot ground squirrels on his property with only verbal permission. I showed him the permission form and he had no problem signing it. Better safe than sorry.

the person acting under the depredation permit, must be named on the permit, the land owner cant just have anyone take care of the squirrels, they must be named on the permit, verbal is NOT sufficient.. anyone with the person acting/named on the permit, must also be named on the permit, or have their own permissions slip (unless it is the owner of the property), as they would be sport hunting if they are not named on the depredation permit.

hunting as a sport is quite different than depredation.

getting the slip signed is a good idea.
you still need a hunting license, if you took the class, call DFG to get a replacement, or contact the instructor that you originally took the class with.
if you dont get anywhere, PM me and I;ll help you out.

[tony270]

You don't need a depredation permit to kill ground squirres. The law says written permission in possession, that is so the game warden doesn't have to run down the land owner it he wants to verify what he is told, they can site you for not having it.

[NapalmCheese]

WRT obtaining your hunter safety card again, I had to do this a while back while preparing for a hunt out of state (I needed proof of a hunter safety class). You can order one from the DFG and they will send you a copy for 10 bucks or so. They may not have it on file if you've not previously bought a hunting license though.

[BARNGUY]

Didn't you realize that EVERYTHING belongs to the state?? Including the lowly squirrel. Yes, you do need a license.

[Tac380]

Make Sure YOU Get Your Facts Straight

There is a map and information about the lead-free zone at this link:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/

I recommend you read up on the laws with regards to hunting in California. Like anything else that can get you into major trouble, you should be familiar with the laws to be sure that you are legal in all things you do.

Eric

Very good point here, all the advice here is all good but its best to familiarize yourself with the laws and if needed contact DFW. Get the permission slip signed for sure.

Keep in mind If you get stopped by a game warden or other LEO and you say "well so and so on CalGuns said that this was ok and legal" That warden or LEO is gonna laugh at you and cite you.

Get the advice and info and then always confirm it for your own safety. This forum is great because most people here will do their best to point you in the right direction, however always confirm it for yourself. Ignorance is no excuse.

[Tripper]

You don't need a depredation permit to kill ground squirres. The law says written permission in possession, that is so the game warden doesn't have to run down the land owner it he wants to verify what he is told, they can site you for not having it.

if you want someone that is not the owner of the land to kill ground squirrels under the guise of depredation, you do need a permit, with their name on it, you cant just grab the neighborhood top shot and let him have at it, that is considered hunting, for which you need a license and permission in your possession.

[tony270]

You don't need a depredation permit for ground squirrels, you would need one for tree squirres. The difference is ground squirrels are open to hunting all year and tree squirrels are not.

if you want someone that is not the owner of the land to kill ground squirrels under the guise of depredation, you do need a permit, with their name on it, you cant just grab the neighborhood top shot and let him have at it, that is considered hunting, for which you need a license and permission in your possession.

[Tac380]

Ok stupid question here....What is the difference and how do you tell the difference. EVERY SQUIRREL I see in my neighborhood plays on the ground then runs up a tree. What's the difference?

[Tripper]

Hunting squirrels on private property

No you don't need a dep permit but you do need a license and if your hunting on another person property you need the permission slip