Is there a Squirrel "Season" in California ?

Yes. And depending on where you are in the state.
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx

John

Tree Squirrels yes, Ground squirrels no

In some California counties (mine for example), there is no season at all for tree squirrels, so as far as I know, they can't be taken in those areas.

Wow! I spend a few minutes reading the game rules in California. I am sure glad I don't live there!

TN has two squirrel seasons.

SPECIES OPENS CLOSES DAILY BAG

Squirrel (fox, red, gray) Aug. 22 Feb. 29 10
Spring squirrel (2016) May 14 Jun. 12 10

There is more than one type of tree squirrel in California. Unlike the native Grey Squirrel, the invasive Fox Squirrel can be taken to the extent they are causing damage to crops or property:

"Tree squirrels are classified as game mammals by the state Fish and Game Code and can be controlled only as provided by the hunting regulations. Any owner or tenant of land or property that is being damaged or destroyed or is in danger of being damaged or destroyed by grey squirrels must apply to the California Department of Fish and Game for a permit to control such squirrels. The Department, upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of actual or immediately threatened damage or destruction, may issue a revocable permit for the removal and disposition of such squirrels. When a permit to trap the grey squirrel is issued, the Department may designate the type of trap to be used and may also require that squirrels be released in parks or other nonagricultural areas. It is not legal to use poison baits to kill tree squirrels. Eastern fox squirrels found to be injuring growing crops or other property may be controlled at any time and in any legal manner by the owner or tenant of the premises without a permit."

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74122.html

Remember your location may prohibit use of air rifle under any circumstances.

California Ground squirrels can go dormant during certain times of year. Depending on where you live and the climate I think the main mating season begins in late Winter/early Spring, but they can and do breed almost any time. I find that even my "bunny hugger" friends are not fond of ground squirrels!

I;m not even certain what a ground squirrel is exactly, a "Five Lined Ground Squirrel"? About a 4" body, strips and fast as all get out?
In Tn Fox and Grey Squirrels are what for Dinner and yes we do have a generous hunting season, pretty sure it is left over from the old timers surviving on them and we have NO shortage of walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, other hardwood trees.
Grey's


John

Ground squirrels are burrowing version. Totally different, very destructive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_ground_squirrel

Here are a few pics of what I'd call "a good ground squirrel", used to be everywhere at my place, now rather rare.





They are not considered as food, except perhaps in extremely hard times!

Thanks, very similar to a "ground hog" but the "good one" pictured is a bit smaller, and YA buddy they cane ruin a houses foundation if left to run amok.

John

They're just a bit larger than your average gray squirrel, some of the big adults are almost as big as our pygmy cottontails! 
I have ground squirrels to thank (or blame!) for my current airgun addiction, I started out five years ago with a squirrel problem, now I have an airgun problem! Wife is less than thrilled so far, lol!
Here's some of my stuff:

"Rami939"John,
The Marauder looks beautiful in that stock !

Click to expand...

Thanks!
It was a score from the yellow classifieds, Made by Steve Corcoran of Woods and Water Outdoors. It's maybe half a pound heavier than the cut down stock, shoulders really well for offhand shots. That's a Gen 1 .22, very accurate gun!