Why cant we hunt?

[redroush00]

Crow ony from June on and on Friday, Sat and Sunday? Squirrels Sept thru January??

[Gene_SC]

Could be because of breeding season or migration.

[atchman2]

Originally, crows were simply classified as varmints and could be shot anytime of the year. However, the U.S. has negotiated a treaty with the Mexican government to protect several species that move back and forth between the two countries. The treaty covers the entire major bird family Corvidae, which includes crows, ravens and jays. So without it necessarily being intended, the crow is now a protected species with limitations on how they can be hunted. The sport season for crows can be for no more than 124 days and can't occur during the peak breeding period in each state

 

From Crowbusters

In Tennessee we have two squirrel seasons that correspond to their breeding seasons.  Hardly anyone hunts them so they are growing to nuisance levels in some locations.  Normally the little ones are grown enough to be out on their own by (this week) in Tennessee.  Just ran one out of my bird feeder!  Should have just blasterated him for lunch.

[airiscool]

Generally, it's done to control critter numbers to be in ballance with their habitat, and secondly, public safety.

The main reason is that there are times of year critters are breeding/raising the next generation and shouldn't be disturbed. If they were their numbers may fall below sustainable and the ecosystem is impacted by that loss.

In States with tough Winters, once winter sets in, the bioligists know there will be a certain percentage of non-migratory critters that will die-off during the Winter due to predation and lack of food.  Such as 20% for Deer here in NYS.  To better match the critter numbers to the carrying capacity of the land (food and shelter) setting season dates and bag limits to only take the Winter die-off percentage is a good way to keep the number of critters in closer ballance with their habitat.

Sometimes that way gets out of wack, like the high numbers of small game we had around these parts last Winter. However, long term it equals out and works rather well.

Another factor is safety when there may be other seasonal recreational use of an area such as not allowing hunting in some areas during fishing and camping seasons.  Many of the state lands around here allow both hunting and camping in the same areas, but not at the same time of year.

Paul.

[djmyers]

NC has some goofy crow laws also. Most of the major holidays Xmas new years thanks giving mlk day and stuff. It's weird. They have a squirrel season but also pest loop wholes here and there.