Goose

[Benshooter]

This is more of a technical question.  I have no intention of breaking a law.  My question is, in your opinion, will a PCP air rifle in .22 cleanly kill a canada goose?  I got in a discussion with a friend about this and have never attempted it.  But I'm just curious if the power is there.  I saw a post referring to shots at the "base" of the neck.  I'm assuming that is lower down, not just behind the head. 

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

Technically speaking..yes a PCP would have the power to do this. !    At closer ranges so would a good springer or a good pumper !        Best Wishes - Tom

[.]

Some countries allow air gun hunting of waterfowl, including shooting them on the water..

A .22 Marauder will do the job cleanly with a headshot or neckshot, as will any air gun with about 20+ fpe, or more..

I've personally done such south of the border on several occasions, and it is very challenging, but quite fun, for sure!!

[Benshooter]

Meant to specify -- range of 35 to 40 yards.  Thanks very much for the feedback.  I'm a very experienced shooter and hunter -- just wading into the air rifle thing.  Your feedback is valuable and appreciated.

[Mosin Marine]

I would say a head shot would kill it in almost any pcp, body shot tho different question. My 12 gauge can slap them out of the sky but a pcp might not make it through any breast muscles.

[Benshooter]

That was my thinking.  Steel shot is almost moot.  I've always used lead substitutes like bismuth or tungsten.  I'm a good shot but a head shot is tricky with anything.  You can take off part of the head and not kill.  The base of the neck sounds like a good bet, based on the threads.  I just want to make sure I understand.  I've taken neck shots before but always just at the base of the skull.  Base of the neck sounds good if I'm understanding it right. 

[screwwork]

Bob
Check out this video.

[Benshooter]

Randy, thanks!!  Those were great videos.  I guess that answers the question.  Shot placement is now the only riddle.  It looks like a body shot would do it, which surprises me.  It looks like under the wing was pretty clean.  Surprising.  I've heard "base of the neck" from several forums.  I'll continue to research it.  Thanks again for the help, much appreciated!!!

[.]

The more power you have, the more shot placement options you get, in my experience..

30 fpe will get 'er done with well-placed body shots, but you gotta be careful, and even then, it may not be as clean a kill as one might prefer..

Once you get upwards of 50 fpe, just about any shot will penetrate to the vitals. Over 60-70 fpe, and it's easy peasy from most any direction...

Feathers and keel bones and wing bones can be VERY tricky with lower power guns, but once you get around the 100 fpe mark, it's just point and shoot..

Also, all waterfowl are not created equally, even geese vary widely by species, age, and time of year..

[beachgunner]

I've never done it, but I would say a PCP in the 20-30 fpe power range at the ranges you are specifying, would make me comfortable doing that.

You may want to take a look on YouTube at Matt Duber's Channel, AirGuns South Africa (I think that is the name??).

He hunts a lot of Egyptian geese, which are pretty darn big, with his FX Impact. Not sure if it's in .22 or .25, but you should at least get an idea of his power and shot placement.

Good luck.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I view Canadian Geese as a pest here. Hate the buggers.
They return to where they were hatched to mate every year. So they multiply to the 5th-10th power EVERY YEAR!
They devastate crops, threaten young children, and carry disease (impetigo for one) and spread their feces like no tomorrow. Ever hear the term "Loose as a Goose"?
If you treat them as such and dispose of them, instead of hunt them for food or trophy, it is "pesting" not "poaching".
But if you keep just one breast and you're going to get in DEEP do-do here.

That said a head shot with a big springer will dispatch them, a PCP and it's lights out.
Or so I am told.
 

[ssbn617]

Unfortunately Canada geese are a federally protected migratory species . Have caution when talking about illegal pesting / hunting activities.
By the way , I am not a fan of Canada’s.
Mitch

[Ben in Va]

Base of the neck is recommended with airgun'n turkeys.  Bout the same size as them geese.... 

They stay deep around our way with all the man made lakes we have.  Dropping turds everywhere...

[aluminumfetish]

Unfortunately Canada geese are a federally protected migratory species . Have caution when talking about illegal pesting / hunting activities.
By the way , I am not a fan of Canada’s.
Mitch

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[dv8eod]

There is a gentleman not far from where I live who has a nuisance permit for Canada geese. The permit allows him to take up to 7 geese by any method he deems necessary, but where his place is doesn't meet safety measures for PBs. He's cut their heads off with machetes, netted them, and all other devious means. He's worked with DNR every which way possible, but the things just won't leave. They have become year-rounders.
He was having great success with a Gamo .177 shooting them in the back of the head level with the eyes. If I recall, I think he said his longest shot was roughly 42yds.
The last time I got to talk with him, he said the state was preparing to grant him domestic ownership over the gaggle. He had enough proof that they no longer migrated after being trapped and released elsewhere. They always returned to his place. If it's granted, he plans on eliminating them altogether and selling the meat off to try to recoup his losses from all the damage done by them.

[Benshooter]

Thanks.  Just being sure I understand.  When I've neck shot deer, it's been right behind the ear at the top of the neck.  The advice here is "base of the neck".  Am I right in assuming this is just above where the neck meets the chest?