Is there any varmint hunting allowed in central California (Tracy/Stockton) area?

I shoot a .308 cal bolt action and have become quite proficient at punching holes in paper targets out to 100 yards. I would really like an opportunity to get out into the field and ';stretch out'; my rifle and test my aim a bit. I fish in the area quite often and see ground squirrels galore. If there are any clubs of similar interest or farmers open to the ideal, please feel free to let me know. I am respectful, mature and law abidding.Is there any varmint hunting allowed in central California (Tracy/Stockton) area?
Ustacould.


I used to shoot ground squirrels in the Manteca/Riverbank/Escalon area in the late 60's early 70's. I had to get owner permission even then. Most of my shooting was in an area that was depressed in regard to landscape. less concern over where the rounds ended up. We used a spotting scope and usually laid out near colonies of the little scamps. And I used everything from a .22 target rifle to a .243 Win, .308 Win, and .30/06 Spring. Overkill? Yeah, but since it was usually around nut orchards and we didn't touch the kill afterwards (Had problems with the plague at that time) It didn't much matter what the result were. We found that this was good practice on the off season for our deer rifles.


If you can get permission to get into the foot hills between Tracy and Livermore that use to be great shooting also. The original area we had hunted there was turned into an off road park for 4 wheelers and dirt bikes.


Good Luck.Is there any varmint hunting allowed in central California (Tracy/Stockton) area?
Most of the land in Central California is privately owned by farmers and ranchers. You have to get their permission to hunt on their land.





A .308 for a ground squirrel? That's like using a sledge hammer on a cricket. It's a slight OVERKILL! Go out with a .22 WMR, .22 LR or a .17 HMR and you should have just as much of a test for your hunting skills. Most ranchers and farmers will balk at letting you hunt on their land with a gun as powerful as a .308. They'll be worried about their livestock. Not that you would be shooting directly at it, but that the bullet will carry for a long distance after it disintegrates the squirrels.





Take your .308 to Colorado or New Mexico to one of the hunting clubs they have on the East Slope and try your shot at some antelope, mule deer, or white-tail deer.
I am sure that the area you speak of is full of varmints like, thieves, drug dealers, pimps, pedophiles, etc. I just don't think you are allowed to kill them on sight yet.