Can you hunt squirrels in California?
2 min read
Asked by: Michael Mackie
Four types of tree squirrels are game species and can be hunted in California. The Western gray squirrel and the Douglas squirrel are both native to California while the Eastern fox squirrel and the Eastern gray squirrel are introduced and not native to the state.
Where can I hunt squirrels in California?
National forests provide some of the best opportunity to hunt tree squirrels in California. Bureau of Land Management lands and CDFW wildlife areas may also provide opportunity for squirrel hunting. Please note that nonlead shot is now required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California.
Do you need a hunting license to hunt squirrel in California?
A valid Hunting License from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is required to take tree squirrels. If you’ve never had one, you’ll have to first complete and pass a Hunters’ Education / Safety Course.
Can I shoot squirrels on my property in California?
If particular raccoons or squirrels have become a nuisance, defined as injuring growing crops or other property, different rules apply. Nuisance raccoons and red fox squirrels (the most likely nuisance squirrel species) can be killed in any season.
When can you not eat squirrels?
Squirrels are considered unsafe to eat during the summer. During the warmer months, squirrels, like every other warm-blooded animal, have to fight off parasites, ticks, mites, and fleas.
Can you hunt GREY squirrels?
Grey squirrels have limited legal protection and as the law stands it is perfectly legal to kill grey squirrels as long it is done in a humane manner.
Is grey squirrel safe to eat?
It’s good to cook down slowly… It’s very good for you, it’s quite lean.” The grey squirrel’s culinary moment isn’t entirely based on taste, however: Conservationists believe that positioning grey squirrel meat as attractively edible could help cull the population of an invasive species.
How healthy is squirrel meat?
This little critter is a powerhouse of protein, with more protein in a standard serving than either beef or chicken. Although this meat is a good source of iron, niacin and vitamin B6, as well as an excellent source of vitamin B12, the downside is that it’s also a high-cholesterol food source.
