Question on pest control on ones own land?

[Dunedain Ranger]

Hey, so i have 26 plus acres in upstate Ulster county, catskills. My land borders on the huge 700,000 acre state land, surrounds me on 3 sides, that is used extensively for hunting. I personally do NOT hunt, as of yet. I simply use my property to relax, enjoy the quiet of mother nature, campfire, chill in my cabin, and target practice whatever and wherever i want anywhere on my land.

I know that i CANNOT legally hunt animals on my land, without getting a hunting license. Even though its my land, from what i understand, the wildlife belongs to the state, or public. Now i know, that would include deer, bear, turkey, pheasant, grouse, coyote, etc, which is all found easily, except bear(though i see bear shit all the time), on my land.

What about pest animals though? I often have chipmunks that invade and damage parts of my cabin, as well as mice, and even squirrels. Can i take out my ruger 10/22 and kill a few chipmunks, mice, etc. to alleviate the pests? Or is that considered "hunting". I dont think there is a legal chipmunk season, definitely not a mouse season, so can i pop away and lessen the nuisance they bring on my land and in my cabin? I do not hunt, so i am not up on what is legal to kill and not. I didnt think chipmunks and mice would matter, but what about squirrels, or even rabbits, not that i have scene any rabbits? I know there must be a small game season, so i want to make sure i am not breaking the law, even though NOBODY would know, but thats not the point.

Thanks in advance for any info. Again, i am just talking about chipmunks, mice and maybe squirrels to reduce their numbers on my own land, with a 22lr.

 

[Acer-m14]

2 parts .. and you have to figure it out .. NY sucks . LOL ..

part 1 ..

General Hunting Regulations - New York Hunting

Definitions Air gun —a firearm that uses spring or compressed air (not gunpowder) to propel a single projectile that is .17 caliber or larger and produces a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second. Muzzleloading firearm —is a firearm loaded through the muzzle, shooting a single projectile…

www.eregulations.com

"
Protected and Unprotected Wildlife
In New York State, nearly all species of wildlife are protected. Most species, including endangered species, songbirds, hawks and owls are fully protected and may not be taken. The few unprotected species include porcupine, red squirrel, woodchuck, chipmunk, English sparrow, starling, rock pigeon and monk parakeet. Unprotected species may be taken at any time without limit. However, a hunting license is required to hunt unprotected wildlife with a bow, crossbow or firearm.




Part 2 .. which conflicts with part 1 ..

Remove Or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally

www.dec.ny.gov

Mammals Commonly Causing Conflicts (in alphabetical order)
See Definition of "Nuisance" and "Damaging"

Animal	Take if a Nuisance	Take if Damaging Property	Take if Threatening Public Safety
Bats	Please contact a DEC Wildlife Office or a NWCO when dealing with bats. Some bat species are protected and require experts to identify them. For some helpful tips on safely removing a bat from your home, visit the little brown bat webpage
Beaver (More information on handling beaver conflicts)	DEC permit needed - refer to note 3	DEC permit needed - refer to note 3	n/a
Black Bear (More information on handling bear conflicts)	DEC permit needed	If destroying livestock or an apiary, no permit is necessary to take a black bear; however, you must promptly notify the nearest Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) to make arrangements for delivering the carcass (find an ECO near you). Also, DEC may issue a permit for a landowner to take if there is proof that the bear is causing property damage	DEC may issue a permit for a landowner to take if there is proof that the bear is threatening public welfare or safety.
Bobcat	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Chipmunk	Yes	Yes	n/a
Coyote (More information on handling coyote conflicts)	DEC permit needed	Yes	DEC may issue a permit for a landowner to take if there is proof that the coyote is threatening public welfare or safety
Deer	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Eurasian Boar (More information on handling wild hog conflicts)	Please contact a local DEC Wildlife Office
Fisher	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Foxes - Red Fox and Gray Fox	DEC permit needed	Yes	n/a
Hare - Snowshoe/Varying	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to notes 1 and 2	n/a
Marten	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Mice	Yes	Yes	n/a
Mink	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Moles	Yes	Yes	n/a
Muskrat	Yes, refer to note 2	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Opossum	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Otter, River	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Porcupine	Yes	Yes	n/a
Rabbit - Cottontail	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to notes 1 and 2	n/a
Raccoon	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Rats (except Allegheny woodrat)	Yes	Yes	n/a
Shrews	Yes	Yes	n/a
Skunk	Yes, refer to note 2	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Squirrels - Gray, Black, and Fox	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Squirrels - Red and Flying	Yes	Yes	n/a
Voles	Yes	Yes	n/a
Weasels	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Woodchuck/Groundhog	Yes	Yes	n/a

Birds Commonly Causing Conflicts (in alphabetical order)
See Definition of "Nuisance" and "Damaging"

Animal	Take if Only a Nuisance	Take if Damaging Property
Blackbird, Red-winged	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit during June - October, for all other damage refer to note 4
Canada Goose (More information on handling Canada goose conflicts)	Federal permit needed	Federal permit or DEC authorization needed, refer to note 5
Cormorants (More information on handling cormorant conflicts)	No	Federal permit needed
Cowbirds	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit during June - October, for all other damage refer to note 4
Crow	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit, for all other damage refer to note 4
Ducks	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed
European starling	Yes	Yes
Grackle	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit during June - October, for all other damage refer to note 4
Great Blue Heron	Federal permit Needed	Federal permit Needed
Gulls (More information on handling gull conflicts)	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed
House (English) sparrow	Yes	Yes
Pigeon without leg band	Yes	Yes
Pigeon with leg band	No	No
Snow goose	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed
Mute swans	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed
Turkey	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed
Woodpecker	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed

Reptiles Commonly Causing Conflicts (in alphabetical order)
See Definition of "Nuisance" and "Damaging"

Animal	Take Anytime	Take if Only a Nuisance	Take if Damaging Property	Take Under Special Circumstances
Snakes	No	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	Contact a local DEC Wildlife Office
Turtles	No	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	Contact a local DEC Wildlife Office

 

[Deplorable Me]

I've found these to be effective on chipmunks.
First year I bagged over 150 and the numbers go down every year.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MZ19B3O?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Otherwise my garage gets overrun.

 

[JamieZ]

Hey, so i have 26 plus acres in upstate Ulster county, catskills. My land borders on the huge 700,000 acre state land, surrounds me on 3 sides, that is used extensively for hunting. I personally do NOT hunt, as of yet. I simply use my property to relax, enjoy the quiet of mother nature, campfire, chill in my cabin, and target practice whatever and wherever i want anywhere on my land.

I know that i CANNOT legally hunt animals on my land, without getting a hunting license. Even though its my land, from what i understand, the wildlife belongs to the state, or public. Now i know, that would include deer, bear, turkey, pheasant, grouse, coyote, etc, which is all found easily, except bear(though i see bear shit all the time), on my land.

What about pest animals though? I often have chipmunks that invade and damage parts of my cabin, as well as mice, and even squirrels. Can i take out my ruger 10/22 and kill a few chipmunks, mice, etc. to alleviate the pests? Or is that considered "hunting". I dont think there is a legal chipmunk season, definitely not a mouse season, so can i pop away and lessen the nuisance they bring on my land and in my cabin? I do not hunt, so i am not up on what is legal to kill and not. I didnt think chipmunks and mice would matter, but what about squirrels, or even rabbits, not that i have scene any rabbits? I know there must be a small game season, so i want to make sure i am not breaking the law, even though NOBODY would know, but thats not the point.

Thanks in advance for any info. Again, i am just talking about chipmunks, mice and maybe squirrels to reduce their numbers on my own land, with a 22lr.

Have you ever seen any bobcats on your property

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Is someone surveilling you?

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

I think you can do the Hunter Safety Course on-line now? Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong. Get a hunting license. You're in the Catskills! Get a fishing license also. Make notes on your calendar what you can take when. Enjoy!

 

[GTN]

On a farm digging holes in the barn. Had to live trap then shoot it

 

[nortatoga]

There is an expression I've heard SSS (Shot, Shovel and Shut-up ) never quit knew what it meant?????

 

[Doc8404]

There is an expression I've heard SSS (Shot, Shovel and Shut-up ) never quit knew what it meant?????

and always alone.
people talk.

 

[tirwin1]

Dead critters tell no tales

 

[kev74]

Just make it known that these pests have info on the Clintons. They'll go away!


...got nothin.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

Is someone surveilling you?

Absolutely not. My land is completely secluded, with only one way in, which is a "road" on the survey, and i OWN the road. Nobody can see what i am doing there, for what its worth.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

Just make it known that these pests have info on the Clintons. They'll go away!


...got nothin.

Great idea, then "they" will do the heavy lifting for me.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

I've found these to be effective on chipmunks.
First year I bagged over 150 and the numbers go down every year.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MZ19B3O?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Otherwise my garage gets overrun.

Thanks for that. I have the same problem with chipmunks, but in my cabin. If i dont go up there for a a month or so, depending on season, they get into my cabin and tear up insulation, rip into boxes, destroy rolls of paper towels, and all that kind of stuff. The worst part though, is the mice and chipmunk crap in the kitchen sink and counter.

While it is def more fun to take em out with my ruger 10/22, i think those traps you linked above will be more efficient. Thanks for the info.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

2 parts .. and you have to figure it out .. NY sucks . LOL ..

part 1 ..

General Hunting Regulations - New York Hunting

Definitions Air gun —a firearm that uses spring or compressed air (not gunpowder) to propel a single projectile that is .17 caliber or larger and produces a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second. Muzzleloading firearm —is a firearm loaded through the muzzle, shooting a single projectile…

www.eregulations.com

"
Protected and Unprotected Wildlife
In New York State, nearly all species of wildlife are protected. Most species, including endangered species, songbirds, hawks and owls are fully protected and may not be taken. The few unprotected species include porcupine, red squirrel, woodchuck, chipmunk, English sparrow, starling, rock pigeon and monk parakeet. Unprotected species may be taken at any time without limit. However, a hunting license is required to hunt unprotected wildlife with a bow, crossbow or firearm.




Part 2 .. which conflicts with part 1 ..

Remove Or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally

www.dec.ny.gov

Mammals Commonly Causing Conflicts (in alphabetical order)
See Definition of "Nuisance" and "Damaging"

Animal	Take if a Nuisance	Take if Damaging Property	Take if Threatening Public Safety
Bats	Please contact a DEC Wildlife Office or a NWCO when dealing with bats. Some bat species are protected and require experts to identify them. For some helpful tips on safely removing a bat from your home, visit the little brown bat webpage
Beaver (More information on handling beaver conflicts)	DEC permit needed - refer to note 3	DEC permit needed - refer to note 3	n/a
Black Bear (More information on handling bear conflicts)	DEC permit needed	If destroying livestock or an apiary, no permit is necessary to take a black bear; however, you must promptly notify the nearest Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) to make arrangements for delivering the carcass (find an ECO near you). Also, DEC may issue a permit for a landowner to take if there is proof that the bear is causing property damage	DEC may issue a permit for a landowner to take if there is proof that the bear is threatening public welfare or safety.
Bobcat	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Chipmunk	Yes	Yes	n/a
Coyote (More information on handling coyote conflicts)	DEC permit needed	Yes	DEC may issue a permit for a landowner to take if there is proof that the coyote is threatening public welfare or safety
Deer	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Eurasian Boar (More information on handling wild hog conflicts)	Please contact a local DEC Wildlife Office
Fisher	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Foxes - Red Fox and Gray Fox	DEC permit needed	Yes	n/a
Hare - Snowshoe/Varying	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to notes 1 and 2	n/a
Marten	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Mice	Yes	Yes	n/a
Mink	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Moles	Yes	Yes	n/a
Muskrat	Yes, refer to note 2	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Opossum	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Otter, River	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	n/a
Porcupine	Yes	Yes	n/a
Rabbit - Cottontail	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to notes 1 and 2	n/a
Raccoon	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Rats (except Allegheny woodrat)	Yes	Yes	n/a
Shrews	Yes	Yes	n/a
Skunk	Yes, refer to note 2	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Squirrels - Gray, Black, and Fox	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Squirrels - Red and Flying	Yes	Yes	n/a
Voles	Yes	Yes	n/a
Weasels	DEC permit needed	Yes, refer to note 2	n/a
Woodchuck/Groundhog	Yes	Yes	n/a

Birds Commonly Causing Conflicts (in alphabetical order)
See Definition of "Nuisance" and "Damaging"

Animal	Take if Only a Nuisance	Take if Damaging Property
Blackbird, Red-winged	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit during June - October, for all other damage refer to note 4
Canada Goose (More information on handling Canada goose conflicts)	Federal permit needed	Federal permit or DEC authorization needed, refer to note 5
Cormorants (More information on handling cormorant conflicts)	No	Federal permit needed
Cowbirds	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit during June - October, for all other damage refer to note 4
Crow	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit, for all other damage refer to note 4
Ducks	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed
European starling	Yes	Yes
Grackle	No	If destroying crops, may be taken without a permit during June - October, for all other damage refer to note 4
Great Blue Heron	Federal permit Needed	Federal permit Needed
Gulls (More information on handling gull conflicts)	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed
House (English) sparrow	Yes	Yes
Pigeon without leg band	Yes	Yes
Pigeon with leg band	No	No
Snow goose	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed
Mute swans	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed
Turkey	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed
Woodpecker	Federal permit needed	Federal permit needed

Reptiles Commonly Causing Conflicts (in alphabetical order)
See Definition of "Nuisance" and "Damaging"

Animal	Take Anytime	Take if Only a Nuisance	Take if Damaging Property	Take Under Special Circumstances
Snakes	No	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	Contact a local DEC Wildlife Office
Turtles	No	DEC permit needed	DEC permit needed	Contact a local DEC Wildlife Office

Thank you for all the info, much appreciated, and yes you are right, it is a bit confusing. My take, from what i see, is yes chipmunks and squirrels, and mice are all unprotected. They can be taken in any numbers you want. If you "hunt" them though, with a crossbow, bow, or firearms you need a permit. I guess "hunting" them would be if you were going to eat or skin them, whatever. Like a mouse loin clothe maybe.

The other option though, is when they are a nuisance problem, which is what i am facing. If the chipmunks, mice, rats, or squirrels are damaging property, then no permit is needed, and it does NOT make a distinction on how you can take them, whether its trapping them, shooting them or whatever. I would say i am good to reduce the mice and chipmunks that are damaging my property in an way. I am probably still going to just use those traps that deplorable me mentioned above.

 

[Acer-m14]

its red squirrels unprotected .. but any game unprotected or protected ie Gray squirrels .. you can't eat if taken as a nuisance .. have to bury it ..

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

Have you ever seen any bobcats on your property

Yes absolutely, but only on camera. I have quite a few strategic trail cams on my 26 acres. I have personally seen coyote at night, with my night vision, a whole flock of like 30 turkeys were walking thru my land last October. EVERY time i go up there i see deer, and usually stir one up from bedding down, when i start driving onto my land. Like i said, i see bear shit, but never seen one in person. I have caught one or 2 on camera though. In fact, last time i was up there, about a month ago, there was bear scat 20 feet from my cabin, and like 10 feet from where i target shoot at.

One animal i wish i would find, and would be way better than bobcats, which there are many, would be a mountain lion. I am sure i will never see one, though. Some say they are up in the catskills, and that there have been unconfirmed sightings. Yet, the main consensus is that they are not up there, and were hunted out of the area many, many decades ago. It would be cool if they really were there though.

 

[Acer-m14]

I think you can do the Hunter Safety Course on-line now? Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong. Get a hunting license. You're in the Catskills! Get a fishing license also. Make notes on your calendar what you can take when. Enjoy!

yes .. take the PA one ... all on line 20 bucks .. last i new the NY one you pay and still have to attend a class in person .. PA you do not . it will take you about 4 to 5 hrs to do ..

all hunter safety courses are accepted cross states ..

 

[Deplorable Me]

A good pellet gun say .177@ 1000 ft/sec. Quiet and ammo saver. Cheap to feed.

Gammo comes to mind.

 

[JamieZ]

Yes absolutely, but only on camera. I have quite a few strategic trail cams on my 26 acres. I have personally seen coyote at night, with my night vision, a whole flock of like 30 turkeys were walking thru my land last October. EVERY time i go up there i see deer, and usually stir one up from bedding down, when i start driving onto my land. Like i said, i see bear shit, but never seen one in person. I have caught one or 2 on camera though. In fact, last time i was up there, about a month ago, there was bear scat 20 feet from my cabin, and like 10 feet from where i target shoot at.

One animal i wish i would find, and would be way better than bobcats, which there are many, would be a mountain lion. I am sure i will never see one, though. Some say they are up in the catskills, and that there have been unconfirmed sightings. Yet, the main consensus is that they are not up there, and were hunted out of the area many, many decades ago. It would be cool if they really were there though.

Im trying to plan a trip up to the Catskills during predator season to hunt bobcats. They are in the area I live but are only seen on trailcam pics maybe once every 2 years. So hunting them in Churchville NY would be utterly useless.

This is the area I have chosen to go to. Can you tell if its anywhere near your property? The bobcat symbols on the map are just places I marked that have open field areas near where we will be staying.

I would appreciate any help or advice you can give me about the Catskills

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Absolutely not. My land is completely secluded, with only one way in, which is a "road" on the survey, and i OWN the road. Nobody can see what i am doing there, for what its worth.

Alrighty then. Get to work.

 

[GTN]

Absolutely not. My land is completely secluded, with only one way in, which is a "road" on the survey, and i OWN the road. Nobody can see what i am doing there, for what its worth.

With that much seclusion I say nuke the little bastards and be done with them. Nail some dead chipmunks to little crosses as a warning to the others.

I’ve had so many chipmunks in my yard. They undermined my three season room with their tunnels that the foundation sank. Cost me $8000. All chipmunks die that are in my lawn.

My cousin showed me his trap that he uses. He lives in a cabin way out in the woods. Catches large amounts of them and mice also. 5 gal bucket filled 1/2 way with water. Bait is nuts and peanut butter. They walk out on the little gang plank To get the food and it will swivel and dump them in the water. He puts out anywhere from 5 to 10 of these around the cabin and collects the dead ones every day or so

 

[spat]

With that much seclusion I say nuke the little bastards and be done with them. Nail some dead chipmunks to little crosses as a warning to the others.

I’ve had so many chipmunks in my yard. They undermined my three season room with their tunnels that the foundation sank. Cost me $8000. All chipmunks die that are in my lawn.

My cousin showed me his trap that he uses. He lives in a cabin way out in the woods. Catches large amounts of them and mice also. 5 gal bucket filled 1/2 way with water. Bait is nuts and peanut butter. They walk out on the little gang plank To get the food and it will swivel and dump them in the water. He puts out anywhere from 5 to 10 of these around the cabin and collects View attachment 122873 the dead ones every day or so

Get a pack of bamboo shish kabab skewers and go all Vlad Tepes on them...


Some people have plastic flamingos....