What constitutes an unlawful method of taking animals?

Intentional drowning is considered an unlawful method of taking animals in California because it inflicts unnecessary suffering and is not in line with ethical trapping practices. Trapping laws and regulations are designed to ensure humane treatment of wildlife, and methods that cause extreme pain or distress, such as drowning, violate those principles. This approach is particularly scrutinized because it may result in prolonged suffering for the animals involved.

In contrast, the use of licensed traps is legal as long as they comply with the state's regulations regarding animal welfare. Non-lethal methods are also permissible, provided they align with wildlife management practices aimed at reducing populations humanely or preventing property damage. Taking animals without a permit is another illegal practice, but it is governed by a different aspect of wildlife management law, focusing on compliance with licensing requirements rather than the methodology of taking animals.