Squirrel hunting question...

[Atroxus]

Anyone know why most squirrels are illegal to hunt, and/or what if anything would need to be done to get the law changed so that we can hunt squirrels in this state?

[xd2005]

Why do you say most squirrels are not legal to hunt? I have a feeling you are confusing the Eastern Gray Squirrel (more common) with the Western Gray Squirrel (less common).

[quadrafire]

Why do you say most squirrels are not legal to hunt? I have a feeling you are confusing the Eastern Gray Squirrel (more common) with the Western Gray Squirrel (less common).

I'm pretty sure Atroxus is right on this. You can't hunt them, but you can run over them with your truck. I hit one today. Felt sick to my stomach about it. Never did when I shot one, but with a vehicle it's different

[Atroxus]

Last year I was planning on learning to hunt by starting on squirrels. Then I did some research and found that most species of squirrel in Washington are illegal to hunt. According to maps of habitat areas the ones that are legal to hunt are mostly living in areas where it is illegal to hunt with a firearm. If I recall correctly there are also some ground squirrels that are legal to hunt, but a few posts I have seen indicated that ground squirrels are not very good eating.

[xd2005]

I'll admit, your location can play a big role in what is available.

[BOWHUNTER45]

HUH..Well you can not hunt ( western grey squirrels) here in Washington but like they already said  before me it is legal to hunt ground squirrels because they are considered a varmit ...never ate a ground squirrel but grey squirrels are yum yum !! taste just like chicken ....

[runamuk]

from what I have been told the skirrels round here taste like crap compared to midwest and east coast skirrels that eat acorns 

[Kain]

Western Gray squirrels are on the "Species of Concern" list.   Not sure why you cannot hunt Douglas squirrels though.  They are an important prey species for lots of predators and raptors so I probably wouldnt hunt them but it would be nice if they learn to shut the hell up instead of warning everything for miles around that I was in the area. 
Here is some links on it.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/endangered/land_mammals.html

Eastern Gray and Fox squirrels are legal to hunt but like you said mostly in city areas so not a lot of hunting opportunities. You could try live trapping them though.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/tree_squirrels.html#legal

Legal Status

Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about squirrels change, contact your WDFW Regional Office for updates.

The Western gray squirrel is classified as a threatened species and cannot be hunted, trapped, or killed (WAC 232-12-007). The red squirrel, Douglas squirrel, and Northern flying squirrel are protected species and can be trapped or killed only in emergency situations when they are damaging crops or domestic animals (RCW 77.36.030). A special permit is required in such situations.

The Eastern gray squirrel and Eastern fox squirrel are unclassified and may be trapped or killed year-round as long as you have a hunting license. In such cases, no special trapping permit is necessary for the use of live traps. However, a special trapping permit is required for the use of all traps other than live traps (RCW 77.15.192, 77.15.194; WAC 232-12-142).

It is unlawful to release a squirrel anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15.250; WAC 232-12-271).

[quadrafire]

it would be nice if they learn to shut the hell up instead of warning everything for miles around that I was in the area. 

 

[TeacherMan]

I was out on Orcas one time and the squirrels on that island where the size of big rabbits. i almost confused one for an island deer  Not sure what species they are. Cool looking!

[raevan]

In Washington you can hunt Eastern Gray , Eastern Fox and California Ground. All other squirrels are protected. Be sure you Identify what you shoot. Big fine if you get caught killing the wrong type.

[Atroxus]

In Washington you can hunt Eastern Gray , Eastern Fox and California Ground. All other squirrels are protected. Be sure you Identify what you shoot. Big fine if you get caught killing the wrong type.

Yeah, last year I did some research on those. Unfortunately finding any of the above mentioned squirrels anywhere that is not firearms restricted is easier said than done. If anyone knows of such a place please let me know as it will give me a reason to get my small game license again this year. So far I just got deer license/tag.

[270Shooter]

Is the california ground squirrel also known as the grey digger? We have a bunch here in yakima, I shoot them once in a while

[raevan]

Yes the California Ground Squirrel is the Graydigger. It covers an area from Ellensburg south. They crossed into Washington I the early1900,s
When they nbuilt bridges accros the Columbia near Biggs Junction and The Dalles Oregon.

[raevan]

The other type of Ground Squirrels that are protected species are; Cascade Golden-Manteled Ground, and Golden Manteled Ground (they are each a different species. Their territory is in the cascade mountains from The Columbia River up into British Columbia. They overlap the othe ground squirrel areas in some places, which is why it is important to Identify what you shoot.

In those areas that are Fire arm restricted you can hunt with a Bow or cross bow. I am not sure what all the different laws in each city around Puget sound. I used to hunt Squirrels with a Pellet gun. You may be able to do so now. You should check the laws in each town. The biggest problem is really if your Animal rights neighbor sees you shoot a squirrel around the Puget Sound. I suppose you could Trap them ( Eastern Gray and Eastern Fox) and kill them later. It is against the law to release them in another area once traped.