Small Game, Predator and TrappingFrom shooting squirrels in your backyard to calling coyotes in Arizona. This forum now contains trapping information..
Why are hunting seasons for certain animals only for certain times of the year? In PA squirrels can only be hunted from Oct 17 thru Dec. I didn't even think squirrels are around in late Oct thru Dec???
(I don't hunt anything myself! I have a friend who's been shooting squirrels for the hell-of-it and I just want to see if that's legal or not or even cruel?)
I am not a biologist but I believe that most hunting seasons are set up to avoid killing animals that are either too young to care for themselves or pregnant.
You can ask this question to nearly any DOW on line and get their responses. Ask them at the same time if what your friend is doing is legal. No doubt in my mind that it is not.
As far as being cruel.....sometimes just letting nature take its course unchecked is far more cruel.
In Colorado the DOW is the Division of Wildlife. There is one in every state (could also be found in the Department of Natural resources, Game and Fish Dept., game warden, fish cops etc.). They set seasons, bag limits, license fees and typically patrol known fishing and hunting spots to enforce game laws. Something your friend may want to consider.
Come down to Texas, you will love the hunting season!
What we have to put up with in hunting seasons in CO we more than make up for in costs. Basically we hunt all the big stuff for the cost of a license....typically less than $50 per.
...most less than $30
My sons first elk cost me a grand total of $13, was shot on private land for free access.