Are Hunting Licenses Needed for Nongame Animals?

February 25, 2010

Question:I have out-of-state friends who would like to shoot Belding’s ground squirrels on a private ranch. Since Belding’s squirrels are a rodent and a nongame animal, do they need non-resident hunting licenses? (Don S.)

Answer: The recreational take of any wildlife including nongame mammals such as ground squirrels would require your friends to obtain a non-resident hunting license. They could purchase a two-day license valid for everything except big game for $41.20, or annual non-resident license. Nongame mammals may be taken without a license if the animals are injuring growing crops or other property (Fish and Game Code, section 4152). The authority to take nongame mammals without a license under these conditions applies only to the owner or tenant of the premises or employees and agents in immediate possession of written permission from the owner or tenant.