Full Metal Jacket Bullets for Squirrels

March 25, 2010

Question: I know that full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are specifically prohibited to use for big game, but can I use a FMJ bullets to hunt squirrels? (Kevin G., Northern California)

Answer: You are correct that FMJ bullets may not be used for big game. According to DFG Game Warden Patrick Foy, only “soft-nose or expanding projectiles” may be used to hunt big game because they make the bullet far more lethal, therefore making for a clean kill while hunting (CCR Title 14, section 353). A FMJ bullet does not expand like a soft-nosed bullet and increases the chance the big game animal will escape wounded.

There is no restriction on the expansion quality of a bullet when hunting squirrels, and FMJ bullets are not specifically prohibited for use in CCR Title 14, section 311 (“Methods Authorized for Taking Resident Small Game”). Therefore, you may use FMJ bullets to hunt squirrels. Be aware there are other bullet restrictions in place while hunting in condor range. For more information and a map of condor range, see http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/.