Shooting, like trapping, tends to require a lot of effort. It is most helpful as a follow up method to another type of control to get the few remaining squirrels.
|
| Time of Year | Efficacy | Cost of Materials | Labor | Restrictions |
| Shooting |  |  |  |  |  |
X =low XX =med XXX =high
HOW IT WORKS:
- Shooting controls squirrels in small numbers. The biggest problem with shooting is that the squirrels will often come to recognize it and become gun shy. They may learn to retreat to their burrows any time a vehicle drives into the area or they hear a gunshot. This is also a time intensive method.
HOW TO USE IT:
Shooting as a control method.
- Shoot the squirrels from as far a distance as you can. To increase the effectiveness, it may be wise to settle into a location and wait a while before you begin shooting so that squirrels become acclimated to your presence.
SAFETY (from DFG Hunter Education, www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered):
- Follow any safety guidelines you would for gun use.
- Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
- Watch that muzzle! Be able to control the direction of the muzzle at all times.
- Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
- Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
- Unload guns when not in use.
- Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Never climb a fence or tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
- Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water.
- Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and mind altering drugs before or during shooting.
WHERE TO GET IT:
- Guns are available at a variety of sporting goods stores or hunting specialty shops.
- Local laws must be consulted to determine if this is an acceptable practice in your area.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
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Shooting with lead shot or bullets can result in lead contamination of the squirrel carcass. If scavengers or predators feed on the dead squirrel, they can be poisoned or even killed by the toxic lead. This is especially important in the range of the California condor, a federally listed endangered species. Condors do feed on dead squirrels and are especially susceptible to lead poisoning. If shooting to control squirrels with lead type ammunition, collect and disposed of carcasses so that other animals will not have access to them. For information about alternatives to lead ammunition, go to:
http://condorinfo.org/