It depends on the state. In some states, farmers or property owners have the right to kill out of season any animal eating or ruining their crops.
I believe such laws are reasonable and just. I also believe in obeying hunting laws, but a farmer has the right to protect his livelihood. THAT goes beyond “hunting”.
And image being attacked by a bear or mountain lion, and killing it in self defense (that no one argues wasn’t) and then being charged with illegal hunting. Does not compute.
***farmers or property owners have the right to kill out of season any animal eating or ruining their crops.****
Most states require a special depredation license for this.
One bean field farmer created a scandal when he shot several hundred deer in one year out of season with one of these licenses.