Raccoons are mammals that lurk in our vicinity. They do not cause us any harm directly, but their presence can be a nuisance for us in many little ways. There are laws regarding capturing raccoons in every state but is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in New Jersey?
Yes, it is legal to trap and kill raccoons in New Jersey. However, there are specific laws and regulations which you need to follow while doing so. There is a particular protocol that should be followed for hunting raccoons.
In this article, we will read about a few new Jersey laws regarding the trapping of raccoons. Moreover, we will also look at all the rules that allow one to kill a raccoon in New Jersey. It is only permissible under certain conditions.
Is It Legal To Trap And Relocate Raccoons In New Jersey?
The wildlife and federal laws are all applicable to Raccoon. You can trap them properly and then release them as long as it is done in a protected manner. However, if you resort to illegal trapping, fines can be imposed on you for doing so.
Relocating raccoons and then releasing them on private property is not permissible as per the laws of New Jersey. You can only do it if you have the permission of the person who owns the land. You can only trap raccoons as long as it is in a way that does not harm them.
In cases where no private land is available for releasing raccoons, the new jersey department can approve the release of raccoons in the suitable wildlife management area provided by the state. The laws can be molded as per the permission and situation.
Is It Legal To Hunt Raccoons In New Jersey?
Yes, hunting Raccoons in New Jersey is legal, but it is not allowed if done with a .22 caliber rifle. Only such shots have been allowed by the regulations of New Jersey. Hunting is only permissible if the user possesses this particular gun.
Why is it necessary to stick to a particular gun? Well, it is essential to have this weapon so that painless killing is promoted and the animal does not suffer while dying. Headshots are encouraging so that the animal dies there and then. It is against ethics to cause harm to animals and then leave it there to die.
New Jersey laws are environment-friendly and do not allow animals to be killed unnecessarily. Still, some animals have considered permitting hunting because of the benefits offered to animals. Also, hunting is allowed when wild raccoons become harmful to human life.
Laws Governing About Raccoons Trapping In New Jersey
There are trapping seasons for every animal in New Jersey. This applies to Raccoons too. However, before doing so, a trapper education course is mandatory and needs to be passed by the trapper. An untrained person is not allowed to trap raccoons in New Jersey.
It is imperative that a person undertakes the training and attains a proper training license. Only then is the person allowed to trap raccoons as per the laws of new jersey. However, after trapping, releasing raccoons is another segment of the law.
Raccoons have been classified as rabies vector species and cannot be relocated without seeking permission from the authorities. Moreover, in the case of private property, the land owner gives the rights to the relocation of Raccoons. Otherwise, it is illegal, and a fine is imposed on people who do it.
Laws Governing About Raccoons Shooting In New Jersey
Raccoons are in much demand in the state of New Jersey. This is because this animal is needed for sports and food. However, in New Jersey, you cannot kill it without informing the authorities at first. If you do so, you will be charged with possessing a deadly weapon.
First, you must have a proper license for shooting Raccoons in New Jersey. If you start doing it at your whim, the consequences will not suit you. A permit makes your shooting legal, and you can use the animal for sports and food.
It is also stated in the laws of New Jersey that killing animals unnecessarily is brutal and unethical. It should be discouraged among people. However, if raccoons are harming you, killing them becomes necessary, and the wildlife authorities are there to help you.
How Can You Trap Raccoons In New Jersey State?
You can trap raccoons in several proper ways per the laws and regulations of new jersey state. Here is the right way to go about it:
- A box trap or cage should be used.
- It should be 10-12 inches in length.
- It should be 32 inches wide.
- The cage should be placed on a leveled area with some bait like sweet fruits (grapes or cherries) for luring the raccoons into them.
- Plywood should be used for sealing the gates of the cages.
- Stakes should be side-lined with cages to prevent them from rolling over.
- Strapping metals can also be used for anchoring roofs.
- The bait can also be scattered outside so that the animal is quickly attracted to it.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Raccoons In New Jersey?
You can hunt and shoot raccoons in new jersey by using the following ways:
- 0.22 caliber gunshots are permissible if the user has a license
- Hunting is usually to be done on weekends
- Having a firearm other than the one registered is considered illegal. Therefore, you can only possess the licensed ones.
- Headshots are encouraged. If an animal is seen in a brutally killed manner, you have to pay a fine
- Hunting is only allowed on certain premises.
By following the above-stated methods, you can hunt and shoot raccoons on your own. However, it is always better to have official permission or involve them so that they can do their work on their own.
Wrapping It Up
Hunting and shooting raccoons are permissible in New Jersey. However, there are some terms and conditions which you need to abide by. Without them, you can be charged with illegal conduct. You need to have a registered gun for hunting down raccoons.
A licensed person is allowed to kill raccoons if they mean to cause you harm. You can always report the authorities and have them come over to take a look at your raccoon problem.
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