Can a Mindless Vermin Animal Companion use Skirmisher Tricks?

[Cao Phen]

If a Hunter obtains a Mindless Vermin Animal Companion, such as a Giant Slug, can the slug use any Skirmisher tricks that it is taught?

For example, the slug was trained to use the Trick Shot trick. Would it be able to use it?

[Bronnwynn]

If they're a Verminous Hunter, yes (at least RAI - I haven't read the rules carefully for all cases but I imagine it works RAW)

Otherwise - if they're not a Verminous Hunter - they can't have a mindless vermin animal companion.

[Cao Phen]

The Hunter follows the Druid choices, rather than the Ranger, so it can actually grab a Giant Slug regardless of archetypes (Celestial Giant Slug via Divine Hunter archetype anyone?).

I am aware that a Mindless Vermin Animal Companion does not get any Skill Points or Feats, so I was hoping that obtaining some Skirmisher tricks can help it out on its options.

[Bronnwynn]

Mmm. Because of it's location and wording my inclination is to say that vermin companions were intended for druids only, not hangers-onners - especially with the presence of the verminous hunter. That said, I'd probably also argue against the use of skirmisher tricks. They're something that requires some level of intellect to coordinate, I'd say. But it's murky RAW as far as I can see.

[dragonhunterq]

There is nothing restricting you from teaching your AC the trick, and even less to say it can't use it.It is no more complicated than heel or watch.