Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 2/24/2007

Question
I live in the state of Georgia. Well, a few 'friends' at school hunt. Well, I wouldn't call it hunting. Basically they just shoot it just to see it die. It's mainly just small animals like opossums and squirrels. My research has a hunting season for opossums. If they were to kill a opossum out of season then, that would be illegal wouldn't it? Also, even if it IS in season, would killing it by using an axe be illegal? They have told stories of trying to use axes on them. Also, they're only 15. You're description thing made it seem as if you could answer these questions, but if you can't, that's okay. Thanks.

Answer
Hunting out of season is illegal. However, you have to find out whether there is a season on opossums. Some species can be hunted year round so the season is all the time except maybe sunday and after dark depending on the state. Contact your state's wildlife division to find out. THey have a web site. It can be found at http://icwdm.org go to solutions then service providers and you will find links there.
As for your friends using an axe. While not a pleasant thought, it could be a humane death provided they were judicious about where they struck the opossum. However, I am less than optimistic that youngsters have the motor skills to always strike properly. I am concerned about your suggestion that they are just going out there to kill stuff. If you have accurately understood their behavior as opposed to just the rants of teenagers, then that does not display proper sportsmanship. Sometimes kids grow out of that kind of foolishness.
I would suggest you put them in contact with an adult hunter who is willing to teach them proper sportsmanship and care/respect for the prey of the hunt. Real hunters develop a bond with their prey and love to see the animals even when not hunting. Real hunters don't want to demean the animals they hunt because they respect and honor them.

Hopefully you can help your friends recognize that. If your friends are breaking the law, perhaps a game warden can scare some sense in them while they are still minors and before they do something worse. I would talk to your parents before doing anything. You are walking into a potential mind field here if you contact the game warden and your friends get into real trouble. Sometimes parents can talk to parents and settle this problem in a way that protects your friendship with these kids.