Raccoons are native to North America but are present in different parts of the world. Normally, they do not attack people, but their presence disturbs everyone. Certain laws are implemented in different states to capture these raccoons, but is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in California?
Yes, it is legal to trap and kill raccoons in California. However, you are bound to follow specific laws and regulations if you want to kill one of these creatures. They may invade a person’s property, so the government allows the trapping and killing of these animals.
In this article, we will look into the facts regarding the trapping of raccoons. Furthermore, we will also read all the laws that permit killing a raccoon in California. You can only do this under some specific circumstances.
Is It Legal to Trap and Relocate Raccoons in California?
Yes, it is allowed to trap and relocate Raccoons in California. However, you are not allowed to relocate them. You can trap these small animals and release them later on in a protected way. Furthermore, you need a proper license to perform this action.
California has a significant rule by which you can trap raccoons where ever you find them. However, it is necessary to release it soon after that. You cannot keep them with you or relocate them to further areas unless you have a proper permit for this act.
The California Department of Fish and Games has certain laws in this case. According to them, you cannot relocate raccoons or other animals without permission. It is illegal to relocate raccoons in California.
Is It Legal to Hunt Raccoons in California?
Yes, it is legal to hunt raccoons in California, but you cannot do it with a license. One of the essential requirements is that you must be 18 years old. The law considers raccoons as fur animals, and their hunting is allowed by the government.
However, you need to contact the California Department of Fish & Wildlife to get a license. It would be best if you got a hunting license to become illegible for this act. You can even apply for a resident game license and follow specific laws.
The laws in California are pretty strict for fur-bearing animals. Raccoons can sometimes get pretty aggressive and may harm humans. Thus, you are allowed to hunt them down at a specific period by using certain ways.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping in California
There is a specific season to trap raccoons in California. The early season begins from March to June for the imperial country. However, the late season from November to Mach is for the remaining state. You are allowed to trap them by using specific methods, such as by setting up traps for them.
You cannot just trap raccoons whenever you want. Rather, there is specific training required for it. It is crucial that a person gets enrolled in the training program and gets legally authorized to trap these animals with a proper license.
Raccoons may be living in your attic or any nearby area in California. They may come out of nowhere, and you may be tempted to trap and relocate them. However, you are not allowed to relocate raccoons to any other area. You are bound to release them within the area of capture as per the laws of California.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in California
Raccoons are most likely to be seen in California. This is because of the moist environment, which is favorable for their survival. You are allowed to take raccoons down whenever found on your premises. However, it would be best if you were pretty precise in this work.
First, you need to get a proper license for shooting raccoons in California. There is no way you can hunt or shoot them without a license or permit. Furthermore, the laws do not allow you to hunt them for food or sports. You cannot also use them for making fur. All such fur-bearing products are banned.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife decides a fur harvest season in California. They also issue some rules by which you can hunt down raccoons. They decide how and when you can take them down without any damage to other animals. Thus, you can hunt raccoons with a proper license at a specific time for your safety only.
How Can You Trap Raccoons in California State?
You can trap raccoons by following some specific laws and regulations in California state. Here are some of the ways you can follow.
- It can be a live, specific cage-type trap made of heavyweights.
- The dimensions of the trap must be at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches.
- Fish, chicken, cat food, tuna, or any fruit can be used as bait to lure the raccoons within the trap.
- Place a small amount of food inside the trap and some on the outside.
- The traps should be on some leaning poles and must be body-gripping to avoid catching dogs in them.
- Place a single door trap with at least half an inch of mesh wire against a solid object. This will prevent raccoons from pulling out the bait of the trap.
- These live traps can be rented or bought from animal shelters and wildlife preserves.
Furthermore, you cannot use illegal body-gripping traps like saw-toothed and spike jaw traps.
How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in California?
You can shoot and hunt raccoons in California after getting your legal license and permit for this action. Following are the few ways by which you can hunt them down.
- There is no limit to carrying bags and certain possessions for hunting.
- Pistols and rifles of .22 calibers are allowed if you have a license.
- Rim fires and shotguns are allowed for specific shots.
- The training and practicing of dogs to hunt raccoons is also permitted by the laws.
- You can hunt raccoons in the imperial country and other riverside areas from July 1 to March 31.
- You are allowed to target the balance of the state from November 16 to March 31.
Wrapping it up
Trapping and Killing of raccoons are permitted in California. However, there are certain laws and regulations that people must follow. A license is a foremost requirement in this process. It allows you to trap and hunt raccoons within the state.
You can use a registered gun or dogs to hunt them down. You can be charged for illegal conduct in the future by the violation of any of these laws in California. That is why you need to have proper knowledge and guidance about laws so that you make a well-informed decision.
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