California Codes
It is important to be aware of the California Fish and Game (CFG) and California Food and Agriculture Code (FAC) provisions that apply to ground squirrel management.
-
CFG
-
FAC
<
>
Nongame Definition [CFG Code § 4150]
The definition for nongame mammals can be found in the California Fish and Game Code § 4150. It states that "All mammals occurring naturally in California which are not game mammals, fully protected mammals, or fur-bearing mammals, are nongame mammals." This section also states that nongame mammals, as well as parts of nongame animals, cannot be taken or possessed except under the terms provided in the code.
Nongame Examples [CFG Code § 472]
General provisions are provided in Section §472 of the Fish and Game Code. The following nongame birds and mammals may be taken at any time of the year and in any number except as prohibited in Chapter 6 of the Fish and Game Code: English sparrow, starling, coyote, weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents (excluding tree and flying squirrels, and those listed as furbearers, endangered or threatened species). There are some minor exceptions to this rule but these can be found in Sections 478 and 485.
Shooting Restrictions
The Fish and Game Commission adopted CDFW’s proposed shooting regulations, which will implement the nonlead requirement. Ground squirrel management may be affected beginning in one of the following three phases:
Trapping Licenses [CFG Code § 4005]
"4005. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, every person, other than a fur dealer, who traps fur-bearing mammals or nongame mammals, designated by the commission or who sells raw furs of those mammals, shall procure a trapping license. "Raw fur" means any fur, pelt, or skin that has not been tanned or cured, except that salt-cured or sun-cured pelts are raw furs."
Trapping Definitions [CFG Code § 465.5]
Legislation concerning trapping laws can be found in the California Fish and Game Code §465.5. This section defines traps as padded-jaw leg-hold, steel-jawed leg-hold, and Conibear traps, snares, dead-falls, cage traps and other devices designed to confine, hold, grasp, grip, clamp or crush animals’ bodies or body parts.
The "150 yard rule" prohibits setting traps within 150 yards of any structure used as a permanent or temporary residence, unless these traps are set by a person who 1) controls the property or 2) possesses and carries with them written permission of the landowner stating that they are allowed to place the traps on the property.
The definition for nongame mammals can be found in the California Fish and Game Code § 4150. It states that "All mammals occurring naturally in California which are not game mammals, fully protected mammals, or fur-bearing mammals, are nongame mammals." This section also states that nongame mammals, as well as parts of nongame animals, cannot be taken or possessed except under the terms provided in the code.
Nongame Examples [CFG Code § 472]
General provisions are provided in Section §472 of the Fish and Game Code. The following nongame birds and mammals may be taken at any time of the year and in any number except as prohibited in Chapter 6 of the Fish and Game Code: English sparrow, starling, coyote, weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents (excluding tree and flying squirrels, and those listed as furbearers, endangered or threatened species). There are some minor exceptions to this rule but these can be found in Sections 478 and 485.
Shooting Restrictions
The Fish and Game Commission adopted CDFW’s proposed shooting regulations, which will implement the nonlead requirement. Ground squirrel management may be affected beginning in one of the following three phases:
- Phase 1 – Effective July 1, 2015, nonlead ammunition will be required when taking Nelson bighorn sheep and all wildlife on state wildlife areas and ecological reserves.
- Phase 2 – Effective July 1, 2016, nonlead shot will be required when taking upland game birds with a shotgun, except for dove, quail, snipe, and any game birds taken on licensed game bird clubs. In addition, nonlead shot will be required when using a shotgun to take resident small game mammals, furbearing mammals, nongame mammals, nongame birds, and any wildlife for depredation purposes.
- Phase 3 – Effective July 1, 2019, nonlead ammunition will be required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California.
Trapping Licenses [CFG Code § 4005]
"4005. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, every person, other than a fur dealer, who traps fur-bearing mammals or nongame mammals, designated by the commission or who sells raw furs of those mammals, shall procure a trapping license. "Raw fur" means any fur, pelt, or skin that has not been tanned or cured, except that salt-cured or sun-cured pelts are raw furs."
Trapping Definitions [CFG Code § 465.5]
Legislation concerning trapping laws can be found in the California Fish and Game Code §465.5. This section defines traps as padded-jaw leg-hold, steel-jawed leg-hold, and Conibear traps, snares, dead-falls, cage traps and other devices designed to confine, hold, grasp, grip, clamp or crush animals’ bodies or body parts.
The "150 yard rule" prohibits setting traps within 150 yards of any structure used as a permanent or temporary residence, unless these traps are set by a person who 1) controls the property or 2) possesses and carries with them written permission of the landowner stating that they are allowed to place the traps on the property.
Food and Agricultural Code [Section 12978.7]
Several products are not permitted for ground squirrel control. Read more from the Food and Agricultural Code.
"The use of any pesticide that contains one or more of the following anticoagulants is prohibited in a wildlife habitat area:
(1) Brodifacoum.
(2) Bromadiolone.
(3) Difenacoum.
(4) Difethialone.
A "wildlife habitat area" means any state park, state wildlife refuge, or state conservancy...This section does not preempt or supersede any federal statute or the authority of any federal agency."
Several products are not permitted for ground squirrel control. Read more from the Food and Agricultural Code.
"The use of any pesticide that contains one or more of the following anticoagulants is prohibited in a wildlife habitat area:
(1) Brodifacoum.
(2) Bromadiolone.
(3) Difenacoum.
(4) Difethialone.
A "wildlife habitat area" means any state park, state wildlife refuge, or state conservancy...This section does not preempt or supersede any federal statute or the authority of any federal agency."