is it illegal to shoot animals, such as squirrels, in your backyard?

Question

I want to know because the squirrels in my backyard are such a nuisance and create problems, so i want to scare them off by shooting them with bb's.

Answer 1

who cares if it is illegal. just shoot the little bastards

Answer 2

It depends on where you live, when squirrel season is, and if you have a hunting license.

They don't scare off that easy, and they are not as easy to knock down as a rabbit.

I don't think a BB gun would have enough power to kill them (and that's what it's going to take - it's probably 50 different squirrels doing it). If you already have the bb gun, try using a .177 cal. pellet - instead of a bb.

Rather than a BB - I'd recommend a .22 caliber air rifle with a scope if you want to keep it on the quiet side. I recommend that you get cheap low-power air-rifle scope, because the last two air-rifles I've seen have been virtually impossible to zero in with the included cheap sights.
Rather than pay a lot more for a quality target air rifle with adjustable sights, you're better off getting a cheap scope and a cheap (pump-up type) air-gun (not CO2 or spring-powered).

Otherwise, a shotgun with cheap trap-shooting ammo works great - as does a .22 caliber rifle.

Some have suggested live traps.
I'm not a big fan of those, as it's hard to get the right animal to get in them in the first place. And then it's hard to pull them out to kill them - without getting bit or them getting away.

Answer 3

Most likely yes its illegal. Now to answer the real question of how do deal with the squirrels.

They are coming to your backyard for a reason. you have attractants there that they like. If you have nuts, or fruit trees you need to get rid of these attractants. You need to make your yard not worth coming to. you can feed the birds just don't do it during the summer because birds have enough food then. Wait until the squirrels are in hibornation. then feed teh birds.

Another thing watch what they are doing(the squrriels) if they are building up a cashe in your place remove it... and board up the holding area for them.. Make them want to leave on their own. Because the chances shooting in your town is legal is slim to none.

Answer 4

If you have a license and live outside the city limits and it is in season then no it is not illegal. If you don't have a license but live outside the city limits and own more than 5 acres you can hunt under landowners, but again only in season. I don't really think anyone would have a problem with you ridding the neighborhood of squirrels though, so it is probably not a problem to worry about.

Answer 5

If you live in a city, or town, more than likely, it's illegal. You might try trapping them, or get a dog that hates squirrels.

Answer 6

i'm no wild and vicious or i does no longer be having this communication. i think of people have a bond with animals, particularly canines and different better half and teenagers pets as a results of fact they often practice devotion to the owner, the likes of which isn't considered by any random person you may meet. yet to declare that one and all people are wild and vicious is to declare all and sundry you have ever understand replaced into wild and vicious...

Answer 7

Get a .177 caliber pellet gun and a cheap scope and watch for the squirrell from your window and when you see it pop up the window take aim and fire. then set your gun down to where no one can see it.

Answer 8

if you use a bb gun you should be fine because they dont make alot of noise. just make sure there isnt any houses behind the squirrel and try to make sure there isnt any people around just in case it is illegal.

Answer 9

In most places it's illeagal to discharge firearms of any kind within city limits. If you're gonna do it, snipe from a window so that the neighbors can't see and report you.

Answer 10

Just put a foul smell and they will never come back. If that fails resort to a kitchin knife because neighbors probally won't approve of shooting. If you slow go for the boobi traps.