Pheasant Hunting Along the Railroad Tracks

February 10, 2011

Question: When we were young we use to walk along the railroad tracks and hunt pheasant. Is that still legal? (Brad L.)

Answer: Hunting along the railroad right-of-way is not specifically prohibited in Fish and Game law, but railroad property is private property. According to DFG retired Captain Phil Nelms, Fish and Game law prohibits entering posted or fenced private property to take game or discharge a firearm without written permission from the land owner. In addition, the California Penal Code prohibits trespassing on private property.