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I've shot ground squirrels up in that area myself, but not in the bird refuge (which is clearly posted).
I'd question the "long-term negative effect" on the birds. Unless somebody shoots the birds themselves, all squirrel shooting does is provide the birds with free lunch. I've had raptors swoop down and pick up squirrels that I'd just shot; once, even an eagle. They seem to actually FOLLOW shooters from the air, just waiting for a chance at an easy meal. Don't think the birds don't learn quick what a hunter is and what it means to them!
Finally, I cringe at the media yet again. They ALWAYS label armed criminals like this as "hunters" and I am positive they do it deliberately to create a slob image. It's no more accurate to call these criminals hunters than it is to call spammers and identity thieves "reporters" because they do their crimes at the keyboard. I'll repeat what I've often said: if you see it in the media, it's a lie.
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