Can You Hunt Trap And Kill Squirrels In Nevada? [Laws & More]

The Sagebrush State has over 10.6 million acres of forested areas., which includes the Hymboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which expands 13 counties in Nevada. It makes the perfect environment for tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and other rodents. Unfortunately, many of these squirrels live in urban areas and travel in search of food, water, and shelter during the summer, becoming a nuisance to homeowners. So it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations regarding hunting, trapping, and killing them.

Is It Illegal To Trap, Hunt, And Kill Squirrels In Nevada?

The Nevada Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission office allows homeowners to protect their property against nuisance animals by using repellents, scare tactics, hunting, or hiring a wildlife removal expert. The state offers tips and advice to help residents cohabitate with these and other wildlife animals.

As the communities expand throughout the state, homeowners will find themselves in a conflict between protecting their property and respecting wildlife. For example, Nevada is home to tree and ground squirrels such as the; White-tailed Antelope squirrel found throughout Las Vegas.

As a homeowner, you must understand the laws and regulations regarding trapping and hunting squirrels to avoid penalties and fines.

So, let’s look at the laws to help you legally protect your property.

Can You Hunt Squirrels In Nevada?

Nevada is the perfect place for avid hunters, as the state offers a variety of game species to hunt. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Nevada has 48 million acres of public land, making it the perfect environment for hunters.

The state of Nevada classifies some ground squirrels as unprotected species, meaning homeowners can kill, live trap, euthanize or hunt them without a permit or license.

The following animals do not require licenses to hunt:

Mammals	Legal Status
Ground Squirrels	Unprotected
Marmots	Unprotected
Voles	Unprotected
Chipmunks	Protected or threatened species (at the time of this writing on the Uinta, hidden forest and Palmer chipmunks are protected.)
Wood Rat	Unprotected species
Badgers	Unprotected

Visit this website for a full list of the protected and non-protected species.

Do You Need A Hunting License In Nevada?

Yes, anyone 18 years of age must possess a valid hunting license or permit to hunt in Nevada. In addition, the state requires a mandated hunter education course before applying for a hunting license.

At the time of this writing, Nevada residents can purchase the following types of hunting licenses:

Nevada Resident: Anyone who has resided in the state for at least six months or meets the state’s requirements for new residents.
Non-Resident Hunting License: Non-residents ages 12 or older must possess a non-resident hunting license and any additional tags and licenses.
Youth Hunting License: Residents under 12-15 can purchase the Junior Hunting License, which costs $15. Anyone between the ages of 16-17 qualifies for the Pre-Adult License. Residents and It is illegal for residents and non-residents under 12 to hunt big game.
Senior Hunting License: Residents age 65 years or older with a residence status of five continuous years may purchase the Senior hunting license.
Military and Veteran License: Active duty military members stationed in Nevada qualify for a resident hunting license. Nevada resident military residents stationed in other states must purchase a Servicman’s Hunting License.

Hunting licenses and permits can be purchased online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website or a state-approved agent. The license is valid for one full year from the date of purchase.

Can You Hunt All Tree Squirrels In Nevada?

Unfortunately, there is no information regarding tree squirrels in Nevada. Although tree squirrels are commonly found in the Sierra Nevada, homeowners must contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife to find out what the rules and regulations are for this species.

They will be able to inform you if you need a hunting license or permit to hunt tree squirrels.

Can You Shoot Squirrels On Your Property In Nevada?

According to Nevada law, homeowners can remove nuisance animals from their property via shooting or trapping.

That said, the laws and regulations related to firearms discharge vary throughout each Nevada county. For example, in some counties, shooting squirrels on your property may be legal, while in others, the discharge of firearms is prohibited.

It’s best to check with your local law enforcement, including the NDOW, to check the regulations in your county and city.

It’s also important to remember that the discharge of firearms in populated areas can be hazardous, so it’s best to hire a wildlife removal expert if you need assistance with removing nuisance squirrels from your property.

The unlawful discharge of a firearm resulting in bodily injury or death will be prosecuted as murder. Even if no harm is caused, you are subject to prosecution for felony and misdemeanor charges.

Can You Trap Squirrels In Nevada?

Yes, homeowners can live trap squirrels and other nuisance wildlife throughout the state. Residents do not have to relocate the live animals and can instead opt to euthanize the squirrel or other animals humanely.

The USDA Wildlife Services offers residents a live trap to trap nuisance wildlife.

Contact them at 1‐866‐4USDAWS (1‐866‐487‐3297) or (775) 851‐4848 to ask them about acquiring a live trap and tips on how to use it.

What Are The Regulations On Trapping Squirrels In Nevada?

The state also allows homeowners to trap squirrels on their property.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife requires residents to register wildlife traps before use. Also, you must check any live traps every 48 hours to ensure humanely removing the animal from the property.

Furthermore, homeowners must ensure they are not unintentionally trapping other wildlife, such as endangered species or protected animals.

Contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife for assistance if you need help with trapping squirrels on your property. They can provide you with a list of authorized companies and advice on proper trapping methods.

Can You Poison Squirrels In Nevada?

There are no registered fumigants or poisons for controlling tree squirrels in Nevada. However, it is legal for homeowners to use over-the-counter rodent products, such as rodent baits.

Before using any rodent control products, read the label and follow all instructions. In addition, homeowners must take precautions to ensure no other pets, children, or wildlife will be exposed to the toxicants.

How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels Permanently?

If you are in a situation where you need to get rid of squirrels on your property, the best action is to contact a wildlife control specialist who can help you safely and legally.

These professionals will have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and experience to remove the animals without causing any harm.

If you decide to take matters into your own hands, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

It is illegal to trap the gray wolf, furbearing animals, or unprotected animals, except unprotected rodents such as; pocket gophers, ground squirrels, mice, voles, etc.

Second, even if you can trap and remove the animals from your property, they will likely just come back unless you take steps to prevent them from returning.

The most effective way to keep squirrels away for good is to eliminate any food sources that are attracting them to your property in the first place.

This may include removing bird feeders, sealing up any holes or cracks where they get inside, and keeping your yard clean and free of debris.

Flying squirrels are the most common nuisance for attics. So, it’s crucial to identify the entry point and seal it with metal sheeting or wire mesh.

Can You Relocate Squirrels In Nevada?

No, the relocation of squirrels and other nuisance animals is prohibited. Instead, the trapped animals must be euthanized.

This is because squirrels and other animals carry diseases such as; rabies, Lyme disease, Salmonellosis, etc., transmissible to other animals and humans.

In addition, the relocation of animals could harm the local environment by introducing disease, competition for food sources, or other adverse impacts.

Therefore, Nevada law prohibits relocating trapped nuisance wildlife.

It’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal expert who can help you safely and legally remove the animals from your property.

They will have the necessary equipment and knowledge to remove the animals without causing any harm.

Professional Squirrel Removal Services

The best way to get rid of nuisance squirrels damaging your yard or home is to contact a professional squirrel removal service.

These professionals are trained and experienced in dealing with nuisance wildlife and can help you remove the animals safely and humanely.

They are knowledgeable about animal behavior, local laws, and techniques needed to trap squirrels quickly.

They also have access to specialized traps explicitly designed for squirrels, making their removal much easier.

Several services throughout Nevada specialize in animal removal.

Be sure to research and choose a service with a good reputation, is licensed and insured, and offers humane solutions for squirrels.

Other Nuisance Wildlife In Nevada

Unfortunately, squirrels are not the only nuisance animals homeowners have to deal with throughout the state. Due to developers encroaching on their habitats, many animals live in urban and suburban areas.

The most common nuisance wildlife include:

Raccoons
Mountain Lions
Skunks
Ground Squirrels
American Crows
Chipmunks
Pocket Gophers

Marmots (Woodchucks, etc.)
Black Bear
Coyote
Bats
Hawks & Owls
Jackrabbits & other hares
Voles

It is essential to remember that all these animals are integral to the ecosystem and merely trying to survive.

While it can be frustrating if they set up shop in your backyard, it’s essential to follow the laws and regulations when attempting to remove them.

The same laws and regulations that protect squirrels also apply to these animals.

Therefore, it is essential to follow local guidelines when dealing with these nuisance critters.

Final Word

It is legal for Nevada homeowners to shoot, kill, and hunt nuisance wildlife, such as squirrels. However, it is crucial to follow the state’s laws and regulations.

It is illegal to relocate nuisance wildlife, so the best option is to contact a professional wildlife removal service that can safely trap and remove the animals from your property.

Overall, understanding local laws and regulations concerning nuisance wildlife will help you protect your property while also protecting these animals.

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