Shooting at Varmits From a Car Roof Top

April 22, 2010

Question: I know it’s illegal to shoot from your car, but is it legal to park and shoot from the roof of your car for varmints? Thanks. (Harry N.)

Answer:  Shooting from the roof of your car is only allowed if on private property where public access is prohibited. However, you may not take any bird or mammal from a motor vehicle (CCR Title14, section 251). Remember, the definition of “take” includes any attempt to take, such as shooting at the bird or mammal. Therefore, the only shooting allowed would be target shooting. Otherwise, a loaded gun is not allowed in or on a vehicle driving or parked on or along a road or other way open to the public (FGC, section 2006).