The Sunflower State has over 5 million acres of woodlands, forests, and trees, making it the perfect environment for squirrels, mice, and other rodents. Unfortunately, homeowners must learn how to deal with nuisance squirrels, as they can cause severe damage to their homes and yards. 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 Kansas?
According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, homeowners can protect their property from nuisance squirrels and other animals by using traps, scare tactics, repellents, or hiring a wildlife removal expert. In addition, the state classifies the gray squirrels as small game animals, and hunting enthusiasts can pursue them with the appropriate license during the regular hunting season.
Kansas is home to several tree and ground squirrels, including; gray, fox, and Southern Flying squirrels. The gray and fox squirrels are the biggest nuisances since they often raid bird feeders or invade attics and other parts of the home.
Ground squirrels, such as; Franklin’s ground squirrel, spotted ground squirrel, chipmunks, etc., are huge problems for homeowners. These critters cause issues by tunneling or making burrows in their yards.
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 Kansas?
Kansas offers a small game hunting season, making it legal for anyone with a valid hunting license to hunt gray squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, bullfrogs, etc.
The statewide hunting season runs from 06/01/22 – 02/28/23, with a daily bag limit of 5 squirrels. The dates and bag limits change yearly, so check the regulations before you hunt.
Small game animals you can hunt in Kansas consist of the following:
- Prairie dogs
- Rabbits
- Gray squirrels
- Red fox
- Gray fox
- Striped skunk
- Opposum
- Fox Squirrels
Can You Hunt All Tree Squirrels In Kansas?
No, it is legal to hunt the gray and fox squirrels only. The southern flying squirrel is a protected non-game species and is protected by the state, making it illegal to hunt this species.
The state is trying to prevent the southern flying squirrel from becoming endangered due to overhunting.
Is Trapping Squirrels Legal In Kansas?
Trapping squirrels is legal, as long as you do it humanely and follow the state laws. Before trapping animals, the state requires a trapper education course known as Kansas Furharvesters Education Class.
It is a no-cost online course that teaches ethical and responsible trapping practices. After taking the course, you must apply for a state license before trapping any animals.
If you’re trapping animals on your property, the class may not be required, so check with your local authorities.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks regulates all squirrels as small game animals and sets up specific guidelines about the type of traps that are allowed, how to use them, and more.
Therefore, you must familiarize yourself with these regulations before trapping any animals.
For example, it is legal to use lethal, live, and snap traps. However, if you trap a live squirrel, you must avoid any unnecessary harm to the animal.
Do You Need A License to Hunt Squirrel In Kansas?
Kansas residents between the ages 16- 74 must possess a valid hunting license unless exempt by Kansas Law. All non-resident hunters must possess a non-resident license, regardless of age.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Department offers different types of licenses for hunting enthusiasts. Below is a table of the different types of licenses and fees.
| License Type | Fee |
| Resident Lifetime Hunting License | $502.50 |
| Resident Senior Hunting License | $15.00 |
| Resident Hunting License | $27.50 |
| Resident 5-Year Hunting License | $102.50 |
| Resident Under 16 License | N/A |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $97.50 |
| Non-Resident Under 16 Youth License | $42.50 |
| Non-Resident Combo Hunting and Fishing License | $137.50 |
The fees change annually and are subject to change without notice. So, it’s important to check the official Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Department website before purchasing.
To purchase a hunting license or permit, visit Go Outdoor Kansas.
Can You Shoot Squirrels On Your Property In Kansas?
According to Kansas law, homeowners can remove nuisance animals from their property via shooting or trapping.
That said, you must have written permission from the landowner before shooting a nuisance squirrel on private property.
Gun laws will vary throughout the state, depending on the county or municipality in which you live. Therefore, checking your local laws before shooting squirrels on your property is critical.
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 Poison Squirrels In Kansas?
There are no registered fumigants or poisons for controlling tree squirrels in Kansas. 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 Kansas?
It is legal to relocate squirrels live trapped squirrels if released at least 10 miles from the capture site. It is illegal to release a squirrel on private property without written consent from the homeowner.
In many cases, it’s illegal and inhumane to relocate squirrels since they often can’t adjust to unfamiliar surroundings.
Squirrels and other animals choose their environment based on their habitat, food, water, and safety.
Relocating them to a new area disrupts this balance and often leads to the animal’s death.
In addition, it introduces new environments to diseases and can create new problems for the local wildlife.
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 Kansas 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 Kansas
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:
- Bats
- Crows
- Chipmunks
- Skunks
- Moles
- Woodchucks
- Snakes
- Cottontail Rabbits
- Blackbirds in Roosts
- Deer
- Woodpeckers
- Voles
- Tree squirrels
- Skunks
- Raccoons
- Opossums
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 important 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
At some point, Kansas homeowners will face nuisance squirrels or other animals. But if you find yourself dealing with nuisance wildlife, it’s important to take the proper steps to remove them safely and humanely.
Following the guidelines outlined in this article will help ensure that you comply with state laws while protecting our native wild animals from harm.
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Sources
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/kansas-hunting-laws-10024.html
https://www.crittercontrolofkansascity.com/wildlife/animals/ground-squirrels/
https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/species/tree-squirrels/index.html
https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/What-to-Hunt/Gray-Squirrel
https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Seasons
https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/natural-resources/nuisance-wildlife/index.html