Rabbits and Squirrels

[Pro2A]

I have some tomato and pepper plants and the damn birds, rabbits and squirrels keep coming up and eating the buds. Is it legal to shoot them even the they are out of season? The birds are obviously fair game, but would the rabbits and squirrels be considered a varmint at this point, or are they stil "protected"?

[DCChris]

I'd smoke 'em as long as it's a safe shot (neighbors and such.)

[chalmitch]

Since it is only a "vanity" plot and you are not a farmer, legal it is not. Always invoke the 3S's and if you have one an air rifle would be perfect.

Best regards,
chalmitch

[Pro2A]

Well i'm only using a Crossman 1000 fp/s .177 air rifle I picked up at Gander sometime back, so I'm not using a .22 or .17. It does the trick rather well. As I popped a squirrel today it made me wonder if it was legal or not. I live on an acre of land, so the neighbors usually aren't a problem as I'm shooting down from the deck into the garden. My concern is if someone calls and says "My neighbor is shooting animals"... and a statey shows up to check out whats going on.

[Plinker]

" One for the rabbit, one for the crow, one for the groundhog and one to grow." - Grand-pop 1966

Never hurts to plant a few extra. =)

Plinkpelletrifleworkstooer

[gnbrotz]

Dispatching a rabbit or a squirrel with an air gun (even in season and with a hunting license) is a violation of PA Game Laws.

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/v...a=465&q=151336

Arms and Ammunition

General Statewide Seasons: (1) Manually operated center-fire rifles, handguns and shotguns with all-lead bullet or ball, or a bullet designed to expand on impact; (2) muzzleloading long gun of any type or caliber; and (3) long, recurve or compound bows with a peak draw weight not less than 35 pounds, and crossbows with a draw weight of not less than 125 pounds, and not more than 200 pounds. Bowhunters must use arrows equipped with broadheads having an outside diameter of at least 7/8-inch with no less than two cutting edges, which shall be in the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface. Crossbow hunters may use bolts tipped with broadheads of cutting edge design. The use of buckshot is illegal, except in the Southeast Special Regulations Area.

Archery Seasons: Long, recurve and compound bows using arrows tipped with broadheads having an outside diameter of at least 7/8-inch with no less than two cutting edges, which shall be in the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface. Persons hunting deer in archery seasons may not possess a firearm of any type.

Flintlock Muzzleloader Season: Only single-barrel long-guns with a flintlock ignition system are permitted. The firearm must be an original or reproduction of a gun used prior to 1800, which is .44 caliber or larger, with iron, open "V" or notched sights (fiber-optic inserts are permitted). A flintlock ignition system consists of a hammer containing a naturally-occurring stone which is spring-propelled onto an iron or steel frizzen, which, in turn, creates sparks to ignite a gunpowder. Flintlock hand guns are not permitted. Flintlock muzzleloader hunters may use "any single projectile," including sabots, and mini and maxi balls.

Antlerless Muzzleloader Season: Any long gun muzzleloading firearm, including in-line and percussion sporting arms. Use of scopes and other lawful sighting devices is permitted. Fiber optic inserts may be used.

Special Regulations Areas: (all of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties) Muzzleloading long guns, bow and arrow, manual or auto-loading shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, slugs or buckshot only; crossbows and .410 shotguns with slugs. Buckshot may not be used in Allegheny County. Only crossbows, bows and arrows are permitted in Philadelphia County. Crossbows may be used in the two-week statewide concurrent antlered and antlerless deer season.

Unlawful Sporting Arms: Automatic and semi-automatic rifles and handguns; and air or gas-operated rifles and handguns.

[Swarner793]

Get a cheap paintball gun, even PETA will love ya!

Be safe (and save them for when you may need the)

Scott

[Pro2A]

Originally Posted by gnbrotz

Dispatching a rabbit or a squirrel with an air gun (even in season and with a hunting license) is a violation of PA Game Laws.

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/v...a=465&q=151336

Yes but thats during regular HUNTING season. And as I am not hunting, It has always been my understanding that anything that is a varmint (ie. anything that is a pest to you, your property, pets or gets into your garbage or garden) is fair game to shoot regardless of caliber or rifle used. I don't think my neighbors would appreciate a .22 going off in the midddle of the afternoon. I'm limited in options here. Hense why I ask.

[gnbrotz]

Originally Posted by Pro2A

I'm limited in options here.

Actually, I don't think you have any legal options with a firearm or air gun. Rabbits and squirrels are "small game" not varmints. If you do what you're doing in season, and with a license, you're only violating one provision by using an air rifle. If you do so out of season, and/or without a hunting license, you're now violating at least three regulations.

[Pro2A]

So I just let the destroy my property then? So much for my rights...