Hunting License Needed to Shoot Gophers on Private Land

March 31, 2011

Question:Do I need a hunting license to shoot gophers on private land? (Anonymous)

Answer: Yes. Gophers are nongame mammals and may be taken by licensed hunters. In addition, gophers that are damaging growing crops or other property may be taken without a hunting license by the owner or the owner’s agent.

this answer isn't very clear to me. It looks like it depends if your a owner or agent of the property you do not need a license. But if your on public land target shooting and see a gopher and shoot it you better have a license. So this can be a grey area weird to me.

It wasn't written well.  I interpret it to mean gophers can be taken by unlicensed hunters and licensed hunters - doesn't matter as long as you have permission on the land.  They are a pest.

"...... gophers that are damaging growing crops or other property may be taken without a hunting license by the owner or the owner’s agent."

I guess if you just go out on the back 40 and shoot a gopher that is not causing any trouble, you need a license.