California hunting license question

tuc22 · January 9, 2001, 05:55 AM

It's not entirely clear in the regulations if one needs a valid California Hunting License to shoot non-game animals such as coyotes or ground squirrels. What is the rule on this? What about private land versus public for taking of non-game?

TaxPhd · January 9, 2001, 11:58 AM

I haven't lived in California for about five years now, but the law was very clear back then. The taking of any species (game or non-game) required a valid California license. Even on private land.

tuc22 · January 9, 2001, 01:40 PM

Thanks, the reason I had to ask was I talked to a Dept. of Fish and Game employee and even he wasn't sure about this issue. He suggested that it would be a safe thing to do (getting a license) since Game Wardens in the field have to use their own discretion and he couldn't say for sure how they might interpret the regulation.
The official California Hunting Regulations pamphlet says under License Provisions:
"A California hunting license is required for taking any bird or mammal..."

That is pretty clear but might have been clearer with the addition of the words: "...both game and non-game species."

I thank you for your interpretation.

Bruegger · January 11, 2001, 01:23 PM

TaxPhd is correct: to be legal, you need the license even if you're only after non-game animals. Check out http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/hunting.html

January 9, 2001, 11:58 AM	#2
TaxPhd Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 534	I haven't lived in California for about five years now, but the law was very clear back then. The taking of any species (game or non-game) required a valid California license. Even on private land. __________________ TaxPhd "Those who live by the sword are probably pretty f***ing good at it." "Instructions for a successful gunfight: Front Sight, Press Trigger, repeat as necessary." - B. Braxton

January 11, 2001, 01:23 PM	#4
Bruegger Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 1999 Location: Indiana Posts: 637	Yes TaxPhd is correct: to be legal, you need the license even if you're only after non-game animals. Check out http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/hunting.html

January 9, 2001, 05:55 AM	#1
tuc22 Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Posts: 367	It's not entirely clear in the regulations if one needs a valid California Hunting License to shoot non-game animals such as coyotes or ground squirrels. What is the rule on this? What about private land versus public for taking of non-game?

January 9, 2001, 01:40 PM	#3
tuc22 Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Posts: 367	Thanks, the reason I had to ask was I talked to a Dept. of Fish and Game employee and even he wasn't sure about this issue. He suggested that it would be a safe thing to do (getting a license) since Game Wardens in the field have to use their own discretion and he couldn't say for sure how they might interpret the regulation. The official California Hunting Regulations pamphlet says under License Provisions: "A California hunting license is required for taking any bird or mammal..." That is pretty clear but might have been clearer with the addition of the words: "...both game and non-game species." I thank you for your interpretation.