They should find a club that does allow it. If that cannot be found in area, then start one.
I run deer dogs. MOST clubs do not allow that either. but I found one that does. Small game hunters can do the same thing. I think most deer dog clubs, will allow small game hunting during deer season, just not on days of organized deer hunts.

Anyone hunting public land has no right to complain about inadverdaent run-ins with other hunters. Also, there is a lot of Corps of engineers land that only allows small game hunting.

BTW, I am not a big fan of the extended season for different reasons, but the small game hunter argument just does not hold up. There are plenty of places and opertunitys if they are willing to do the research and to pay up if nesaccerry.