GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Hunting Gate => Topic started by: HatsanPhantom on June 17, 2012, 07:59:22 PM

Title: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: HatsanPhantom on June 17, 2012, 07:59:22 PM
I live in VA..and it is legal to take small game with an air rifle...so long as you have the the proper hunting license.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: grumpy on June 17, 2012, 08:36:11 PM
Same thing in Michigan.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: aimsmall on June 17, 2012, 08:37:22 PM
it sure is.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: grizzlyadams on June 17, 2012, 08:46:55 PM
ny. yup
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Ol'DeadEye on June 17, 2012, 09:14:37 PM
Pennsylvania says - NO...
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: bassmannate on June 17, 2012, 09:38:09 PM
Quote from: Ol'DeadEye on June 17, 2012, 09:14:37 PM
Pennsylvania says - NO...
Illinois doesn't say anything about air guns and hunting except that they can be used to dispatch invasive birds. However, Illinois classifies airguns larger than .22 and faster than 700 fps as firearms so once you meet those criteria, it becomes a moot point.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Nathan on June 17, 2012, 09:40:04 PM
Yup

Nathan
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue35 on June 17, 2012, 09:50:27 PM
Yes, for everything except big game and migratory birds. Fortunately I big game hunt in a state that allows it.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue912 on June 17, 2012, 10:01:22 PM
Indiana says yes for small game. Haven't got an official decision from the DNR on big game (deer) yet ...
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: bradyman1 on June 17, 2012, 10:04:36 PM
Missouri says yes. We can deer hunt with air powered rifles charged by an external pump or tank .40 caliber or larger.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: HatsanPhantom on June 17, 2012, 10:16:09 PM
cool...didn't know it was as widespread as it is thanks for the replies everyone
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Billyk on June 17, 2012, 10:47:32 PM
I believe it is the same in MA. I am trying to make sense of the laws. Thought it would be a good thing to find out. If anyone know for sure I'd appreciate the knowledge.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: ogre8472 on June 17, 2012, 11:02:18 PM
CA heck yeah!
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Powder burner on June 17, 2012, 11:11:49 PM
Yes, for everything except big game and migratory birds. Fortunately I big game hunt in a state that allows it.

   where is that?


  in S.C. yes for most small game and pests and hog.  anyone know about Mississippi?
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: slothart on June 17, 2012, 11:29:36 PM
I live in VA..and it is legal to take small game with an air rifle...so long as you have the the proper hunting license.


In Virginia you can take any game that it is legal to hunt with a rifle as long as you are using the appropriate caliber (The large game requirement is .23 or larger).

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/general.asp (http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/general.asp)

They specifically added "airguns" in parenthesis when listing legal hunting equipment a few years back.
A word of warning, when I did my hunter education course for Virginia recently the game warden who spoke to our class didn't know it was legal to hunt with airguns in VA (I had to show him the section in the handbook) and the instructors were rather dismissive, to put it nicely, when I tried to ask some questions regarding airguns and hunting.  They were more than happy to talk bows, crossbows, shotguns, rifles, and muzzle-loaders, but nothing on airguns.  (I sent this link to the head instructor in the hopes they might add some info in future classes; http://www.americanairgunhunter.com/2ndedition_PGAH.html (http://www.americanairgunhunter.com/2ndedition_PGAH.html))
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: bart the fart on June 17, 2012, 11:43:27 PM
CA heck yeah!

Yes sir!
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue35 on June 18, 2012, 12:12:13 AM
Yes, for everything except big game and migratory birds. Fortunately I big game hunt in a state that allows it.

   where is that?


  in S.C. yes for most small game and pests and hog.  anyone know about Mississippi?

Mississippi. I chose to ask a game warden to make sure since MDWFP doesn't mention anything specific about propulsion method, just caliber. I only hunt family owned land in N. Mississippi.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue35 on June 18, 2012, 12:20:14 AM
http://www.tn.gov/twra/huntweapons.html (http://www.tn.gov/twra/huntweapons.html) Tennessee.

http://home.mdwfp.com/License/info.aspx?id=13 (http://home.mdwfp.com/License/info.aspx?id=13) Mississippi.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: lastedtiger on June 18, 2012, 12:37:04 AM
It's legal to hunt small game with an air gun in New York state but illegal to have an airgun in new York city!
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Powder burner on June 18, 2012, 02:39:25 AM
Yes, for everything except big game and migratory birds. Fortunately I big game hunt in a state that allows it.

   where is that?


  in S.C. yes for most small game and pests and hog.  anyone know about Mississippi?

Mississippi. I chose to ask a game warden to make sure since MDWFP doesn't mention anything specific about propulsion method, just caliber. I only hunt family owned land in N. Mississippi.

  anywhere near Batesville?  i have family there.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: American Arms on June 18, 2012, 02:49:11 AM
Florida No.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue35 on June 18, 2012, 08:02:57 AM

  anywhere near Batesville?  i have family there.

Depends on your definition of "near". Our land is just north of Holy Springs.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: SciGuy on June 18, 2012, 10:04:57 AM
Alabama, yes for small game.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 18, 2012, 12:43:40 PM
Texas here, and no- but a rabbit isn't game and you can take em with airguns.  Also several varmints and in some counties squirrel are okay too, but in others you have to use a .22 or a shotgun.  With developments popping up all over, I still don't understand why it's alright to shoot a .22 LR into the trees (pretty sure a squirrel barely slows it down) or with a shotgun.  Compared to bird shot at 50 yards, you probably get better energy from a mid-range magnum springer AND compared to bead sight and a 50 meter spread, better accuracy and placement for a more humane kill.  When I was little I had a friend that accidentally peppered his dad with a 12 guage and nothing penetrated his skin!  I'm sure it was a pretty good distance though
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: AirScopes on June 18, 2012, 12:54:33 PM
Someone already said NY was a "yup", and that is mostly true... except where I live. Local laws say that it is illegal to discharge a 'firearm' in the town I live in... "firearm" is loosely defined as "anything with a projectile". Matters become more confused if you read about the shotgun discharge parameters (more than 750 yards from a building is OK). Funny thing, depending on how you interpret it, the people watering their lawns with those "rainbird" things are liable to get arrested, while some fella with a shotgun in the way-back of a Walmart parking lot can blast away...

I am not very fond of laws.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Bullfrog on June 18, 2012, 01:11:20 PM
Florida No.

Florida actually does allow you to hunt with an air rifle. You may hunt hogs, coyotes, fur-bearers, and non-protected non-game animals with an air gun. Fur-bearers include coons and bobcats. This rule is stated clearly in the regulations (you are allowed to take these animals with a "gun" and air guns are included in the definition of "gun" under the FWC regulations.

The regulations are silent as to whether you can take game animals with an air gun. The regulations state you can take game with, among other things, a "rifle." "Rifle" is not defined. You could make an argument that an air rifle is a "rifle." HOWEVER, the FWC, who has the authority to interpret their own regulations, choses to say that an air rifle is not included in the definition of a "rifle." Therefore as far as they are concerned you cannot legally hunt game with an air rifle. "Game" includes deer, turkey, rabbit, and squirrel.

Now whether they actually care if you hunt squirrels or rabbits with an air gun is another question. I was talking to a FWC officer a few weeks ago and it was news to him that you cannot hunt squirrels with an air gun the way the regulation is written. He only thought the regulations forbade the hunting of deer and turkeys with an air gun. Would he probably write you up for shooting squirrels or rabbits? Probably not. But technically, the regulation forbids it IF the FWC is correct when they state that the definition of "rifle" does not include air guns.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: mtbdrew on June 18, 2012, 03:24:19 PM
In Texas no for "Game animals and game birds may be hunted with any legal firearm" this does not include air/pellet guns:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/hunt/means/ (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/hunt/means/)

However, non game animals "Nongame Animals (Non-Protected): Any lawful firearm, pellet gun, or other air gun is legal."
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Powder burner on June 18, 2012, 03:39:27 PM

  anywhere near Batesville?  i have family there.

Depends on your definition of "near". Our land is just north of Holy Springs.

  looks about 50mi NE in my atlas.  deer are bigger out there than where i live, too.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 18, 2012, 04:03:45 PM
Nongame in Texas- including but not limited to:

Armadillos, Bobcats, Coyotes, Flying squirrels, Frogs, Ground squirrels, Mountain lions, Porcupines, Prairie dogs, Rabbits, Turtles
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Tactical Tom on June 18, 2012, 04:21:01 PM
Yes here in Kentucky ! This year they changed it to allow .177 ! Before it was .22 or larger for Small Game.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: BGRooster1 on June 18, 2012, 04:28:57 PM
Wisconsin is a yes . Some restrictions on minimum caliber for small or large game .
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: lurch420gam on June 18, 2012, 04:43:41 PM
Ohio is a yes. We can hunt small game and hogs with airguns, in addition to invasives. Joel
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: JrSquirreler on June 18, 2012, 06:37:36 PM
ITs legal to take Small Game here with an air rifle! You just need to have a hunting license.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rickey on June 18, 2012, 09:38:33 PM
Yes Per Ark. Game and Fish I can shoot an air gun in my back yard regardless of the noise it makes.  And shoot nutters because they are on the pest list. Rickey
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: sawtoothscream on June 18, 2012, 09:56:24 PM
yup, but sadly we can hunt turkey with them in NY :(     I dont think PA can which is lame.  because of that and the no hunting on sunday bullcrap ill never move to that state.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: SquirrelSniper25 on June 18, 2012, 10:41:02 PM
You can in Maine, for small game and invasive species. Just gotta have a hunting license. Stinks that they are classified as firearms though, so legally I can't even shoot in my backyard. God bless shrouded barrels! ;) No hunting here on Sunday either. I don't think pesting starlings and pigeons and such would be illegal on Sunday though, cuz they ain't game animals and require no license to kill.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Bryan Heimann on June 18, 2012, 11:31:06 PM
The rules in N.C. were fairly vague so I emailed the nearest NCWRC rep with specifics about what, where, and when and he replied after just two days and gave me the go ahead to do it with an air rifle.  I printed that and took it squirrel hunting with me in case some local game warden that didn't even know decided to mess  with me.  I did the same when I went after crows and printed and took it with me.  I'd recommend always carrying some kind of proof that you know exactly what you're doing is 100% legal no matter what you're after or what your means are, but especially in pursuit of any kind of bird- pest or game, migratory or not, invasive or not
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Airik on June 19, 2012, 07:34:16 AM
Iowa here... yup.  I need to look into the details more for small game when I get a hunting license this upcoming late-summer/fall but, yes, it's legal in Iowa.

Edit: It's always a great idea to bring as much printed emails and permits and licenses as possible too.  Not many people are familiar with small game hunting laws with airguns, including the Sheriff's office and DNR.  I'm sure it'd put a damper on the fun excursion when an officer or other hunter is questioning you, wasting your time from the fun hunt.  Be sure you have the proper air gun also, if law requires a certain FPS and/or FPE and/or caliber rating.  Also, be sure to check out your clothing laws.  Here in Iowa, we have to be at least "half" in safety orange.  Get out your camo safety orange gear to be legal here.  I'll go for safety orange pants, myself.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: VINNY on June 20, 2012, 12:05:40 AM
Wa= no. [I hate this place]
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: ranger54 on June 20, 2012, 12:33:23 PM
i live and hunt in Maryland. Air rifles are legal except for dear or bear hunting. They also cannot be used for turkey during the spring season but are allowed during the fall season. DNR looked at allowing big bore air rifles this spring but ultimately made no changes in the regulations. They mentioned to me that they have not gotten much feedback from the air gun community. Air rifle  usage  follows rifle regulations in Maryland and I hunt the majority of the time on public lands so hunters must be aware of where rifles are or are not allowed.

I also own property and hunt in Virginia. I love the Virginia regulations. Air rifles may be used for taking wild animals and wild birds except migratory game birds and waterfowl, and where prohibited by local ordinances. Crows OK. Deer and bear must be .23 caliber or larger and are allowed only in those counties where hunting those animals with a rifle is lawful.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: HatsanPhantom on June 20, 2012, 01:30:20 PM
i live and hunt in Maryland. Air rifles are legal except for dear or bear hunting. They also cannot be used for turkey during the spring season but are allowed during the fall season. DNR looked at allowing big bore air rifles this spring but ultimately made no changes in the regulations. They mentioned to me that they have not gotten much feedback from the air gun community. Air rifle  usage  follows rifle regulations in Maryland and I hunt the majority of the time on public lands so hunters must be aware of where rifles are or are not allowed.

I also own property and hunt in Virginia. I love the Virginia regulations. Air rifles may be used for taking wild animals and wild birds except migratory game birds and waterfowl, and where prohibited by local ordinances. Crows OK. Deer and bear must be .23 caliber or larger and are allowed only in those counties where hunting those animals with a rifle is lawful.


agreed..the VA regulations are nice
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rico14 on June 20, 2012, 07:45:22 PM
This is what's legal to hunt with an air rifle in California. Everything has a season, except jack rabbits and ground squirrels. It is also legal to shoot starlings and house sparrows with no season or limit

§257. Resident Small Game Defined.
"Resident small game" means the following resident game birds: Chinese spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, ringed turtle-doves of the family Columbidae, California quail and varieties thereof, Gambel's or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, sooty grouse and varieties thereof, ruffed grouse, sage grouse (sage hens), white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged partridges, including the chukar and other varieties, ring-necked pheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and the following game mammals: jackrabbits and varying hares (genus Lepus), cottontail rabbits, brush rabbits, pigmy rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), and tree squirrels (genus Sciurus and Tamiasciurus).
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: HatsanPhantom on June 20, 2012, 08:03:12 PM
This is what's legal to hunt with an air rifle in California. Everything has a season, except jack rabbits and ground squirrels. It is also legal to shoot starlings and house sparrows with no season or limit

§257. Resident Small Game Defined.
"Resident small game" means the following resident game birds: Chinese spotted doves, Eurasian collared-doves, ringed turtle-doves of the family Columbidae, California quail and varieties thereof, Gambel's or desert quail, mountain quail and varieties thereof, sooty grouse and varieties thereof, ruffed grouse, sage grouse (sage hens), white-tailed ptarmigan, Hungarian partridges, red-legged partridges, including the chukar and other varieties, ring-necked pheasants and varieties, and wild turkeys of the order Galliformes; and the following game mammals: jackrabbits and varying hares (genus Lepus), cottontail rabbits, brush rabbits, pigmy rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), and tree squirrels (genus Sciurus and Tamiasciurus).
i need to go to cali...oh the variety
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: American Arms on June 20, 2012, 08:37:41 PM
New York State Laws:
General Small Game Regulations
•You may not use a rifle or handgun to hunt pheasant or migratory game birds.
•You may not take a turkey with a rifle, or with a handgun firing a bullet. You may hunt turkey with a shotgun or handgun only when using shot no larger than #2 and no smaller than #8.
•Air guns may be used to hunt squirrels, rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, and furbearers that may be hunted (e.g., raccoons and coyotes) and unprotected species. Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Cathartes on June 20, 2012, 11:39:22 PM
Here in Oklahoma, you can take rabbit, squirrel, and prairie dog with "air propelled missile." You can also hunt hogs with large bore air guns, as they are an invasive species and not subject to regulation.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Billyk on June 21, 2012, 07:38:23 AM
Well I spent a bit of time going over the regs in MA and found surprisingly little on airguns with regards to hunting. I could not find a specific reference to them in the hunting rules and regulations. There was a section on airguns but it was more on who could shoot them and where; over 18 unless accompanied, not across alleys, RR tracks, etc. I called the the local PD and  it took them a while to answer, I was told I could shoot in my yard, but no animals. I am awaiting response from the Game folks and will ask the State Police today.
One thing for sure, I am going to sign up for a hunter safety course and get my license.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue35 on June 21, 2012, 12:01:59 PM
A note on licenses. In Tennessee and Mississippi both if you are the land owner you may not need a license to hunt on your own or immediate families property. This varies with the state of course and at times has stipulations to property type.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Bobbo on June 21, 2012, 06:53:12 PM
In TN it must be a farm.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Rescue35 on June 21, 2012, 07:40:25 PM
In TN it must be a farm.

Exactly, so plant a row of corn...doesn't everyone here do that anyway?
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Powder burner on June 21, 2012, 07:50:22 PM
In TN it must be a farm.

Exactly, so plant a row of corn...doesn't everyone here do that anyway?

LOL!
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: yoshi800 on June 21, 2012, 10:31:51 PM
California non-game animals that may be taken (Rico14 listed mostly game animals):
(a) The following nongame birds and mammals may be taken at any time of the year and in any number except as prohibited in Chapter 6: English sparrow, starling, coyote, weasels, skunks, opossum, moles and rodents (excluding tree and flying squirrels, and those listed as furbearers, endangered or threatened species).
(b) Fallow, sambar, sika, and axis deer may be taken only concurrently with the general deer season.
(c) Aoudad, mouflon, tahr, and feral goats may be taken all year
(d) American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) -- the regs have a bunch of restrictions. 
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Nate the airgunner on June 21, 2012, 11:39:08 PM
Glad to be in Missouri :)
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: yoshi800 on June 22, 2012, 12:37:10 AM
This year the California 12-13 Mammal Hunting Regulations Booklet runs 56 pages.  I think it gets a little thicker each year.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: mtbdrew on June 22, 2012, 03:13:02 PM
This year the California 12-13 Mammal Hunting Regulations Booklet runs 56 pages.  I think it gets a little thicker each year.

That's just for mammal hunting? So there is a separate booklet for birds and other animals?
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: yoshi800 on June 22, 2012, 07:56:03 PM

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hunting/ (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hunting/)   

Have a pdf reader ready!
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: BerkshireHunter on June 22, 2012, 08:18:11 PM
Well I spent a bit of time going over the regs in MA and found surprisingly little on airguns with regards to hunting. I could not find a specific reference to them in the hunting rules and regulations. There was a section on airguns but it was more on who could shoot them and where; over 18 unless accompanied, not across alleys, RR tracks, etc. I called the the local PD and  it took them a while to answer, I was told I could shoot in my yard, but no animals. I am awaiting response from the Game folks and will ask the State Police today.
One thing for sure, I am going to sign up for a hunter safety course and get my license.
Let us know what they say. I'm pretty sure it's a gray area, because on many game animals, they don't list what weapons they can or cannot be taken with. There are tons of grey areas and poorly written laws in this dump.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Airik on July 27, 2012, 07:48:50 AM
This has nothing to do with "hunting" but, I spoke to my county's wildlife commissioner on the phone the other day about the legalities about camping on the river nearby.  A lot of questions were involved but, the main one that sticks out that accords to this thread is, "Can I target shoot while camping along the river with a pellet gun?"  Answer: "Yes you can [sic]."  No questions asked.  I voice-recorded the phone call.  I love my area.  The [primitive] camping laws are awesome too, for such a farmed state.  Be grateful for what you have.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Tater on July 27, 2012, 11:48:39 AM
This has nothing to do with "hunting" but, I spoke to my county's wildlife commissioner on the phone the other day about the legalities about camping on the river nearby.  A lot of questions were involved but, the main one that sticks out that accords to this thread is, "Can I target shoot while camping along the river with a pellet gun?"  Answer: "Yes you can [sic]."  No questions asked.  I voice-recorded the phone call.  I love my area.  The [primitive] camping laws are awesome too, for such a farmed state.  Be grateful for what you have.

That's awesome! What state are you in?
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Airik on July 27, 2012, 02:53:08 PM
This has nothing to do with "hunting" but, I spoke to my county's wildlife commissioner on the phone the other day about the legalities about camping on the river nearby.  A lot of questions were involved but, the main one that sticks out that accords to this thread is, "Can I target shoot while camping along the river with a pellet gun?"  Answer: "Yes you can [sic]."  No questions asked.  I voice-recorded the phone call.  I love my area.  The [primitive] camping laws are awesome too, for such a farmed state.  Be grateful for what you have.

That's awesome! What state are you in?

I'm in a county along a meandered section of the Des Moines River in central Iowa.

Edit:  He even said that I can drink legally with open containers, as long as I'm above 21 and carry out my garbage, within 100ft of the high-water mark.  "Max limit of camping is 14 days in one spot. Enjoy [sic]."  Almost all the area is hunting grounds during open season also (just gotta wear 1/2 safety orange during hunting, along with a hunting license, in Iowa).  Grrr, half hunter orange :/

Don't count on your Sheriff's office or DNR for answers -- Get your county's wildlife commissioner on the phone.  It took me about 5 phone calls to get a straight answer about legalities.  Seems as though my DNR and state park ranger (nearby) and Sheriff's office didn't know what the heck they were saying.  Reason why I voice-recorded the phone call with the commissioner -- "Arresting me, Mister Sheriff/DNR?  Sorry, but this is what the commissioner said to me on the phone..."  :)  -- No jail that way, due to a probable public intox or trespassing charge. :)

But, again, yes, we can hunt small game with air guns here.  I'm not so sure about coytote and fox and other game -- I have yet to check into that.  I need to get the details of all that before this fall for some lean squirrel, and cottontail if I come across one or 5 or 10, while trampling along public hunting grounds along the rivers or elsewhere public hunting.

Know your laws to the tee, in detail, and get it voice recorded.  It can be complicated, but it's better to know your laws than going to jail for a night or three until the judge shows up.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Airik on July 27, 2012, 04:02:29 PM
^ I'm use to shooting game on private property far away from other homes but I want to take my "game" out into the public this fall, hence my questions, also, with the local authorities.  Iowa's DNR website really doesn't get into detail with air gun hunting or camping, which not worthy to have to make a million phone calls.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Raskal on July 27, 2012, 04:36:39 PM
Here in Cali can you shoot skunks in your backyard with an airgun if you dont have a hunting license?.....My dogs got sprayed 3 times already and I'm ready to shoot one tonight but dont want to get in trouble! Thanks!
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Airik on July 27, 2012, 05:34:17 PM
Here in Cali can you shoot skunks in your backyard with an airgun if you dont have a hunting license?.....My dogs got sprayed 3 times already and I'm ready to shoot one tonight but dont want to get in trouble! Thanks!

No clue.  Probably not if you're in city limits.  No harm in making some phone calls, as I stated above.  I doubt, in California, that you have any legal rights in city limits even with a pellet gun.  But, nevermind the Three-S Philosophy aka SSS:  Shoot, Shovel, Shut Up. -- Which isn't the best advice, as you could land yourself in jail with animal cruelty and/or torture charges.  I'd bet a million dollars that you can't legally shoot it, even if it is a pest, in California within city limits.  The others on this forum will chime in and tell you more than I know.

Edit: Dumb law, huh... "Let's make it so where the pests can stay in town, but it's 'ok' to shoot pellet guns out of town to rid of pests."  <---- That's all the political I'll go here.  Call your authorities (County Conservationist Manager, DNR, Sheriff's office, Police) to get detailed laws about pesting and shooting.  You may be able to legally trap it, but I don't live in Cali, so I've no clue.  Again, others will chime in here eventually.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Scotchmo on July 27, 2012, 05:50:38 PM
Here in Cali can you shoot skunks in your backyard with an airgun if you dont have a hunting license?.....My dogs got sprayed 3 times already and I'm ready to shoot one tonight but dont want to get in trouble! Thanks!
It depends on the City/County.

I wanted to use an airgun on pests in the city of San Luis Obispo, CA. They have a ordinance that says that you need a permit in order to shoot an airgun in the city limits. I applied and was told that since the law is under review they are not giving out permits at that time. And they have never issued a permit even before that. It has been under review for over a year. In affect, it is a ban without calling it one.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: AirHunter4Ever on July 27, 2012, 06:12:39 PM
The rules in N.C. were fairly vague so I emailed the nearest NCWRC rep with specifics about what, where, and when and he replied after just two days and gave me the go ahead to do it with an air rifle.  I printed that and took it squirrel hunting with me in case some local game warden that didn't even know decided to mess  with me.  I did the same when I went after crows and printed and took it with me.  I'd recommend always carrying some kind of proof that you know exactly what you're doing is 100% legal no matter what you're after or what your means are, but especially in pursuit of any kind of bird- pest or game, migratory or not, invasive or not

Can you supply me with a copy of that letter ?

It might be good to have something like that on me, just in case.

Thanks !
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: PaperPunch1 on August 07, 2012, 09:12:44 PM
In PA, the state legislature must change wording in SECTION 2308 of the Game and Wildlife Code, before airguns would be legal. It specifies air or gas piston as being illegal.
PaperPunch1
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: gandalfretlaw on August 08, 2012, 08:43:32 PM
In California hunting in your backyard depends on your city or county. In my city it's legal to shot an airgun in you backyard with a backstop. It's also legal to kill all of the nuisance animals and I don't even think you need a license for them. I often shoot 50 pellets an evening in my backyard. Sometimes birds even come sit in front of the target. Wonder what skunk tastes like.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: silverback2000 on August 10, 2012, 08:21:03 AM
 :-[ over here in the UK we have two sorts of air rifle. You must all know how difficult it is over here for gun ownership. No handguns at all, proof of security cabinets bolted to solid brick or stone walls before a licensing e for a rifle or shotgun is allowed, no shooting in public places. And I don't mean in town I mean out in the wilds. We don't have much wilderness over here but if we did there would be no shooting.  All shooting in private property only, projectile not allowed to leave the premises. Oh and illegAl to kill with a bow or crossbow over here. That's since robin hood days when the king owned all the animals. If you take your little air pistol out on the. Common when you're 12 and its loaded you can get nicked (arrested) and never ever be allowed a firearm including shotguns. Your firearms certifications tells you how manyn rifles you can own. Our air rifles are restricted to sub 12lbs psi then you just need to be 18 to own one; over 21 to supervise anyone under 18 even on private land such as a shooting fange. Cannot carry them loaded in public or in the car. If you have a precharge multi shot you cannot carry the mag loaded in public or in the car when you have the rifle with you. Even I. Your pocket. Any over 12lbs guns are fac and need to be on your licence. You have register fac guns after you pay for them. Cannot take ownership till they are approved on your licence. Cannot sell them without doing the same. So most people don't have the air rifles you have in the states cos with all that fuss and it means you can have one less cartridge rifle.  We are told what we can shoot with air rifles rabbits squirrel and rats ok a few people have dared to drop a fox with a sub 12 birds are stated. We cannot shoot anything that the old gentry like to dress up and blast. So pigeons and Corvids. No pheasant duck or game birds such as quail partridge. Woodcork. etc. Just pests. But on the plus side. No seasons for pests and silencers are legal here so on the range you just hear click click click from the pcp boys. I shoot a suppressed springer.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Powder burner on August 10, 2012, 07:17:17 PM
:-[ over here in the UK we have two sorts of air rifle. You must all know how difficult it is over here for gun ownership. No handguns at all, proof of security cabinets bolted to solid brick or stone walls before a licensing e for a rifle or shotgun is allowed, no shooting in public places. And I don't mean in town I mean out in the wilds. We don't have much wilderness over here but if we did there would be no shooting.  All shooting in private property only, projectile not allowed to leave the premises. Oh and illegAl to kill with a bow or crossbow over here. That's since robin hood days when the king owned all the animals. If you take your little air pistol out on the. Common when you're 12 and its loaded you can get nicked (arrested) and never ever be allowed a firearm including shotguns. Your firearms certifications tells you how manyn rifles you can own. Our air rifles are restricted to sub 12lbs psi then you just need to be 18 to own one; over 21 to supervise anyone under 18 even on private land such as a shooting fange. Cannot carry them loaded in public or in the car. If you have a precharge multi shot you cannot carry the mag loaded in public or in the car when you have the rifle with you. Even I. Your pocket. Any over 12lbs guns are fac and need to be on your licence. You have register fac guns after you pay for them. Cannot take ownership till they are approved on your licence. Cannot sell them without doing the same. So most people don't have the air rifles you have in the states cos with all that fuss and it means you can have one less cartridge rifle.  We are told what we can shoot with air rifles rabbits squirrel and rats ok a few people have dared to drop a fox with a sub 12 birds are stated. We cannot shoot anything that the old gentry like to dress up and blast. So pigeons and Corvids. No pheasant duck or game birds such as quail partridge. Woodcork. etc. Just pests. But on the plus side. No seasons for pests and silencers are legal here so on the range you just hear click click click from the pcp boys. I shoot a suppressed springer.


       on the + side: Tammara drew was really hot.  on the - side: welcome to the NWO.  don't worry, the US isn't far behind.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: stickbowhntr on August 11, 2012, 05:42:14 PM
I think I MAY have missed it but is it legal in Maryland? For small game [squirrels, rabbits and Grouse?]
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: stickbowhntr on August 04, 2014, 11:48:11 PM
I maybe Missed in ,,,what about west Virginia?
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: smythsg on August 05, 2014, 01:47:30 AM
Georgia is friendly to airgun hunters. No caliber restrictions for small game. Yotes and Hogs are legal for all weapons that are legal for any game in season. (Hogs are not considered game animals) Deer are centerfire only for regular rifles and can be taken with shotguns and primitive weapons as well. (Black powder and all bow types) Air rifles are not specifically mentioned in the regulations for big game so will have to check with the GDNR to get a definitive read on that.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: arty on August 05, 2014, 08:01:28 AM
I believe it is the same in MA. I am trying to make sense of the laws. Thought it would be a good thing to find out. If anyone know for sure I'd appreciate the knowledge.
can take many species in mass, but for deer the air rifle must be a muzzle loader to classify as primitive weapon and must meet caliber restrictions. I hunt coyote, rabbits, woodchucks, muskrats, squirrels, starlings,crows etc. certain areas of mass (pop density) don't allow rifle for squirrel.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: mobilemail on August 05, 2014, 08:57:14 AM
Quote from: Ol&#039;DeadEye on June 17, 2012, 09:14:37 PM
Pennsylvania says - NO...
Illinois doesn't say anything about air guns and hunting except that they can be used to dispatch invasive birds. However, Illinois classifies airguns larger than .22 and faster than 700 fps as firearms so once you meet those criteria, it becomes a moot point.
IL has a pretty nasty track record in regard to firearms rights, and with forbidding anything not expressly "lawful".  That being said, there are a couple parcels of public land near me where I like to squirrel hunt, and I got express confirmation that doing so with airguns is okay.   Deer hunting is limited to greater than .40 caliber, (or minimum 400fpe for handgun if I recall correctly) so I have to get another rifle before that even matters.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: AK73 on August 05, 2014, 09:57:22 AM
For Kentucky: Starlings, HOSP, all small game with .177-.25, furbearers with at least .22, I called the Fish and Wildlife to ask about some animals and they actually didn't know about crows, wild hogs, groundhogs, snappers and softshell turtles, and bullfrogs...I'm assuming their all legal because the hunting guide groups them in with starlings and HOSP...but I'm not sure, but I don't really hunt any of them anyway. (Forgot to mention, you need a hunting liscense to hunt ALL of those I think)
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: William on October 13, 2014, 08:49:56 PM
Yes, for everything except big game and migratory birds. Fortunately I big game hunt in a state that allows it.

   where is that?


  in S.C. yes for most small game and pests and hog.  anyone know about Mississippi?

Mississippi has no restrictions on caliber or firearm/weapon used to hunt small game or deer with. This only applies to Private Land and NOT WMA's which have their own rules. Also it only applies to daylight hunting from what I see!

I personally called today and talked to the department of small game manager and he told me that the use of an airgun in Mississippi is leagal or any weapon for that matter. Again Only on Private Lands, Some Wildlife Management areas do allow airguns for small game, but you need to check with them First.

For Deer hunting regulations... http://www.mdwfp.com/media/7311/hunting_seasons.pdf (http://www.mdwfp.com/media/7311/hunting_seasons.pdf)  Gun: There are no caliber or magazine capacity restrictions on firearms. Archery and primitive weapons may be used during gun seasons.

Just remember PRIVATE LAND ONLY.

William
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: Smalltownairgunner on October 13, 2014, 11:34:46 PM
Yes for everything but game birds (besides crow)
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: screwwork on October 14, 2014, 12:06:05 AM
In California hunting in your backyard depends on your city or county. In my city it's legal to shot an airgun in you backyard with a backstop. It's also legal to kill all of the nuisance animals and I don't even think you need a license for them. I often shoot 50 pellets an evening in my backyard. Sometimes birds even come sit in front of the target. Wonder what skunk tastes like.

FYI, Cali regs require a hunting license.

License to take any bird or mammal, defined in § 3007
3007. Every person who takes any bird or mammal shall procure a license or permit therefor.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: jenora on October 14, 2014, 08:17:38 AM
Yes in georgia for listed small game, in season, with a license.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: sr1sws on October 14, 2014, 11:02:51 PM
Florida update: as of 2013, you can take rabbit and squirrel with an air gun.

http://myfwc.com/media/2580155/Hunting-Regs-Ad-Free.pdf (http://myfwc.com/media/2580155/Hunting-Regs-Ad-Free.pdf)

"Air guns may be used to take
gray squirrel and rabbit only"

Steve
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: steveoh on October 15, 2014, 02:52:47 AM
CA heck yeah!

Yes sir!

Not big game. And that's a bummer.
Title: Re: Is hunting with an air rifle LEGAL in your state?
Post by: natedogg on October 15, 2014, 11:54:11 AM
Iowa yes (provided you have license) excludes: Turkey, Deer, and Migratory Birds which each have precisely defined 'legal methods of take'.