I called the DOW months ago when I was told that they were protected and couldn't be shot. I found out, this is true on any public land east of I-25, BUT they can be shot on private property as long as you have permission and if you are "working" as an "agent" for the landowner. I questioned this "agent" part further, and basically I was told that as long as I have permission from the landowner, I would be fine. SO, if ya got a landowner that wants you to shoot them, and you're east of I-25, you're good to go!