Hunting License

[Maverickpro201]

I was wondering the other day, if I wasted my money buying a hunting license, just to shoot Groundhogs. 

So, my question is did I really need to purchase a license for shooting these rodents?

[grizwilson]

Guess depends on your tolerance for tickets and risk.  There is a season on ground hogs and a permit is needed. 

 

https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons/species?species_topic_filter=All&page=2

 

[JimDog]

From https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/nuisance-problem-species/groundhog-control:

The Wildlife Code of Missouri classifies the groundhog as a game mammal that may be taken during the prescribed hunting season (see current regulations for details). Taking groundhogs during the prescribed season can help control their numbers. Cage-type traps are allowed as a hunting method. The Code also specifies that you may shoot or trap damage-causing groundhogs out-of-season without a permit. Refer to 3 CSR 10-4.130 of the Code for details and restrictions.

[Dutch]

49 minutes ago, JimDog said:

From https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/nuisance-problem-species/groundhog-control:

The Wildlife Code of Missouri classifies the groundhog as a game mammal that may be taken during the prescribed hunting season (see current regulations for details). Taking groundhogs during the prescribed season can help control their numbers. Cage-type traps are allowed as a hunting method. The Code also specifies that you may shoot or trap damage-causing groundhogs out-of-season without a permit. Refer to 3 CSR 10-4.130 of the Code for details and restrictions.

That is the rule under which we operate,  in sight, in range, dead.

[tjm]

4 hours ago, Maverickpro201 said:

did I really need to purchase a license

The answer is "it depends"

Every groundhog is a damage causing groundhog, it's what they do. It's why we have 3 CSR 10-4.130

If you are a resident landowner, you don't need a permit on your land,  if you are are over 65 or under 15 you don't need a small game permit at all.

The Code is available online at no cost and is self explanatory- https://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3csr.asp

[Terrierman]

4 minutes ago, tjm said:

The answer is "it depends"

Every groundhog is a damage causing groundhog, it's what they do.

If you are a resident landowner, you don't need a permit on your land,  if you are are over 65 or under 15 you don't need a small game permit at all.

The Code is available online at no cost and is self explanatory- https://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3csr.asp

The thing everyone should know is the Missouri Wildlife Code is permissive.  That means only game and methods listed may be used to take same.  If it's not listed its not legal - if you get caught.

[BilletHead]

                         I will say if it is truly doing damage take it out and keep quiet about it. I am going to add a small game license is cheap compared to other forms entertainment available.  Just buy it and support our conservation department and what it has done for all of us. This previous sentence is not up for a gripe discussion so please don't go there. We are very lucky here in Missouri and the license is well worth the money.

[tjm]

4 hours ago, Terrierman said:

  If it's not listed its not legal - if you get caught.

Getting caught has no bearing on the legality of anything. If it ain't legal it ain't legal.

[fishinwrench]

Unless your reason for owning a gun is just so you can shoot cans and punch holes in paper, why would you not have a hunting license ? 

[MrGiggles]

SSS....