Legal issues when varmint hunting?

G

GeneGoddess

New member
I recently moved from TX to NC and have been having some problems with squirrels. Mainly the "raid my bird feeder" type, but sometimes the "chewing on things they shouldn't" type. Being from Texas, I'm fairly familiar with their hunting laws regarding pellet guns (usually common sense things, no license required, etc). I and my family have controlled pests with my dad's trusty Daisy for decades.

Now that I'm in NC, I am unable to find anything regarding air rifles and varmints. Careful perusal of the NCF&G regs has told me squirrel season (now) and where I can hunt (my house/yard doesn't qualify). But those rules are all for "real" guns. I have a nice Crosman break barrel that will either plink of kill (depending on where I hit). Does anyone know what the laws are regarding killing gray squirrels on private property (subdivision type, not rural) with air powered rifles in NC? Or where I should go to find out?

As much as I love plugging them with a paintball gun (hot pink, baby!), I'd really rather use the Crosman.

Thanks!
 
If you are in a city, check with your local city clerk, in a county, check with the local Sheriff. Either of them can let you know whatever ordinances or local laws would apply and get you in contact with a local Conservation Agent for any other questions you might have.

Just remember, ingnorance of a law is no excuse, but bad information is, as long as you get it from a legal authority.
 
Quote:
But those rules are all for "real" guns.



Most game enforcement officers would, I can assure you, consider a pellet, BB, or other air rifle a "real" gun.

The regs are usually written to include the terms "harvest" in them, and if you went outside and intentionally killed a squirrel with an accurately thrown rock, then you just harvested game.
 
OT got it right. It's been a while but I remember reading a news artical about a guy in Raliegh that was issued a permit inside the city that allowed him to exterminate some of those pesky tree rats.

I'd call the city and see what they say.

Otherwise, S.S.S.
 
I remember that guy... I'll have to look up those articles. And I know that BB guns are real (and capable of killing people). But I swear, I can't find ANYTHING. I'll give the city clerk a call. Any other suggestions of places to look?
 
there was a court case on the neews this morning here that had an appeals court ruling that a firearm was anything that propelled a pellet, ball or bullet by means of a compressed gas, and thus a bb gun was to be considered a firearm
 
That may very well be true but one jurisdictions definition of firearm is not necessarily the same as anothers. For instance, look at the BATFE definition of firearm and air guns are not included so it depends...
cb
 
most states when wildlife cause damage thay can be handled by traps and or guns. for example squirrels chewing a bird feeder is causing damage. as a wildlife control agent I can set traps or stop the critter from causing further damage the home owner also has the same rights. Check your wildlife damage regs to see if you can shoot with a pellet gun. I know you can use traps.
 
Anoteher no no would be using that paintball gun. At least here it Wisconsin if you get caught shooting an animal with one it is a felony charge. Paintball guns (markers they're called) are also fully automatic, and the wardens will jump all over you for it.

Might want to try stopping by the local police department as well. SOme cities or villages have different laws versus the rest of the state. Just depends on the area you are in and how populated it is as well.
 
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