

They had a lot of respect for proper working of the trigger. I learned shooting from old timers who called it 'touching off a shot'. Take a look around your yard and let me know what creatures you’re seeing. Also, a lot of folks just do not follow through. Rossi joins Eydin Hansen of the Texas Hog Hunting Association for some squirrel hunting. I’ve been getting a lot of letters about an influx of squirrels this year, as well as changes in bird populations - either more and different birds, or fewer than normal. The term BB gun is frequently used incorrectly to describe airsoft guns, which shoot plastic pellets (also often incorrectly referred to as BBs) that are. Providing squirrels with alternatives to your garden produce is another way of, perhaps, controlling them. They have a way of turning them around in their little hands until the peanut pops into their mouth.ĭEAR LAURIE: I appreciate what you’re doing and they certainly are entertaining, but if your neighbors object to the peanut shells, you may want to switch to shelled peanuts. Why? Because I give them peanuts, and water, of course. We also have tomatoes, but they don’t touch them. But it’s different at my home - we love them. I’d call the local police about his firing in the direction of houses and possible animal cruelty if he’s wounding squirrels and leaving them to die and I’d call Fish and Wildlife to investigate the possibility he’s hunting out season.ĭEAR JOAN: I, too, have squirrels, lots of them.

Either way, I’d seek help from the authorities. The person requesting the permit must demonstrate that the squirrels are causing damage to property.Īs most people wouldn’t know a gray squirrel from a fox squirrel, he may be hunting out of season. The rest of the year, gray squirrels can be killed only if the state Fish and Wildlife Department has issued special permit.
#Airshot gun for squirrels license#
It’s considered a game animal and can be hunted only with a license and during hunting season, which is September through January. Under California law, the non-native Eastern fox squirrels can be trapped and killed any time, but the native gray squirrel has some protections. BB guns can injure the squirrels most will survive but “lucky” shots could cause them to die slowly, which is a cruelty. If he’s actually killing the squirrels and not just injuring them, he’s probably using a pellet rifle. However, a BB or pellet gun is not considered a firearm if it uses compressed air to propel the “bullet.” If he’s using such a gun, then he’s not breaking the law, although he may be if he’s firing it in the direction of your neighbor’s yard. In most areas, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits. This rifle was a repeater and the magazine held 22 round balls, all of which could be fired in less than 30 seconds. 46 caliber Girandoni air rifle was credited as being one of the primary reasons for the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition back in 1803. A good hunter must first become familiar with the squirrels’ behavior and habitat and then be ready to aim one.DEAR SUSAN: The answer to your question depends on the variables. Big bore air rifles are really nothing new. They are quite accurate and can also be added scope mounts.Įach of the above mentioned weapons comes to complete the hunters’ skills when shooting squirrels. They also require certain aspects, such as being on a steady position when shooting. In comparison to rifles, pistols have a smaller recoil effect. While hunters’ skills really make a difference when using a rifle, pistols help every amateur take his shot. Although they do not have a high velocity and need to be gauged before every shot, handguns are light and much easier to maneuver than long guns. You can attract squirrels as close to you as possible, having the advantage of low interference of the environment with your trajectory and aiming is guaranteed. Pistols are not only easier to carry, but also easy to handle, being sport weapons.
