The Traveling Airgun Hunter: Know the Laws

and the People!

I know that I am very lucky; between writing for several hunting publications, a TV show, and

Online (websites, blogs, and Youtube) projects, I get to hunt in a lot of different places. That in

and of itself is very cool, but I also have the opportunity to meet with a lot of great people. But

when you travel to hunt in different jurisdictions it is the hunters responsibility to know the

laws. This post is not a comprehensive compendium of all the laws across the country, but I’ll

tell you about some of the places I’ve hunted over the last few years, I also mention some of my

fellow hunters I’ve met along the way!

Eric Henderson I on a squirrel hunt in some state or another. We started hunting together in Texas

over a decade ago and have hunted all over the country and Africa as well.

So you’ve decided to lay your hands on an air rifle and hit the field in pursuit of game, the next

question is; what to hunt and where to hunt it? It is the responsibility of each and every hunter to

know the local laws, but those pertaining to airgun hunting are not always clear. There is an evolving

mosaic of regulations for airgun hunters, and one needs to keep current on the jurisdictions in which

they’ll hunt. Almost every jurisdiction requires that the hunter has a hunting license, even for pest

control. There are however, a few states such as Nevada that do not mandate a license for hunting

non game varmint and pest species. A detailed list outlining the current regulations for every state is

outside the scope of this column; however let’s take a look at a representative sample. A quick

summary of the laws in Arizona, California, Nevada, Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas will give an idea

of the regulatory landscape.

Kip Perow and I have hunted Arizona and South Africa together. One of the best all around hunters

I’ve shot with.

Arizona is one of the states that clearly spells out the use of airguns as a legal hunting tool, and

allowed pneumatic airguns to be used for taking of small game and non-game animals for several

years. But as of last year, changes to the regulations were implemented that allow for the taking of

most large games species as well; whitetail and mule deer, pronghorn, javalina, bear, mountain lion

can now be taken with PCP air rifles .357 caliber or larger. This makes the State the destination for

airgun hunters, and I plan to hunt there a lot in coming years. As an aside Airgun Only Adventures is

the guide/outfitting service started up by Airgun of Arizona and headed up by Kip Perow, a very

knowledgeable airgun hunter and guide that can get you on to an airgunning dream hunt.

Scott Dellinger is a new friend that I’ve been shooting with quite a bit over the last year or two. We

shot literally hundreds of collared doves and pigeons in that time!

California is another jurisdiction that specifically allows the use of air powered guns for the taking of

small game animals, including rabbit, squirrel, quail, and turkey. It is stipulated that when hunting

turkey the caliber of the airgun must be .20 caliber or larger. Non game species such as sparrows,

pigeons, starlings, ground squirrels, coyote and jackrabbit may also be taken with airguns. California

is one of my favorite airgunning venues, because in addition to the well thought out regulations

pertaining to airguns, there are literally thousands upon thousands of acres of public land to hunt. I’m

a confirmed wingshooter and have been for most of my life, but taking a game bird grand slam in the

sunshine state; mountain quail, California quail, and chucker with an airgun is a realistic yet

challenging goal!

Virginia expanded their laws a few years back to allow big game, as well as small game species, to

be taken with air rifles. So besides the typical fare of squirrels, rabbits, and predators, you can use

them to take turkey, deer, and black bear. Virginia has been one of my favorite destinations over the

last few years hunting with my buddies Chip Sayers and Charles Peebles. If you’re an airgun hunter

living in the more restrictive state of Pennsylvania, it’s well worth the travel down to the more

progressive game management environment of Virginia to book your hunts!

Eric, Chip Sayers and I at Chip’s house during a 7 day hunt a few years back, right after the airgunning

laws went into effect.

In Michigan, game may be taken by firearm, bow and arrow or slingshot and in some instances by

crossbow. Michigan defines a firearm as a weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be

propelled by an explosive, or by gas or air. This definition of a firearm does not include a smooth

bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or

air, BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber. Thus, all air rifles, except smooth bores designed and

manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or air, BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber,

can be used to hunt small game or varmints. There are several hunters in the state that under the

preceding definition of a firearm, use airguns to hunt larger game as well.

Missouri was one of the earliest states to allow air rifles to be used for taking whitetail deer. The

regulations, which were championed and pushed through multiple wildlife management hearings by

airgun hunter Ken Cox, allow PCP air rifles of .40 caliber or larger to be used for taking deer. The

state has long allowed air rifles for the taking of squirrel, rabbit and other small game. I’ve taken

several deer there since the laws came into effect a few years ago, and offer this up as another one of

those destination spots for airgun hunters. My friend Brian Cook has hosted Eric Henderson and I

there on multiple trips, but the state also offers up a lot of public land hunting opportunities to set up

a DYI, definitely a must do for the traveling airgun hunter.

Nevada: is one of the jurisdictions that do not specifically address airguns, but allows that small game

may be taken with handguns and rifles without stating the power source. Nothing is contained in the

regulations regarding the method of take for non-game animals. There is no closed season on those

species of wild animals or wild birds classified as unprotected. Coyote jackrabbit, skunk and weasels,

and all species of mammals which are not classified as game, fur-bearing, protected, threatened or

endangered animals. These include marmots, chipmunks, English house sparrows, starlings,

porcupines, skunks, rats, moles, voles, pocket gophers

My son Jamie and I have hunted all over the West together…. unfortunately since he left for college

we don’t get the chance as often.

Indiana doesn’t specifically call out airguns either. However, they do state that gray and fox squirrels

may be taken with any equipment and ammunition during squirrel hunting season. The regulations

are the same as when hunting with a firearm, you must have a hunting license, meet fluorescent orange

clothing requirements while hunting squirrels when the season overlaps deer season, follow the same

limits and seasons as firearm. An airgun can be used to control pest birds such as English sparrows,

starlings and feral pigeons (except homing pigeons) stating they may be killed at any time and in any

number.

Brian Beck and I hunted together a lot in Indiana while I lived there. One of the best predator hunters

I’ve ever met.

Kentucky allows the use of air guns for the taking of small game animals; including rabbit, squirrel,

and non game species such as sparrows, pigeons, starlings, ground squirrels, and coyote. Last season

there was a change in the laws that took many airgun hunters by surprise, the use of .177 caliber guns

was prohibited, and only guns in .20 caliber and larger were permitted. A grassroots effort led by

local airgun hunting guru Randy Mitchell, was able to lobby for a reversal of the law and permit the

use of .177. As an aside, a new regulation was passed at the same time prohibiting the use of .25

caliber airguns for hunting. Go figure! Still, the state is taking a forward thinking approach with

respect to airgunning and deserves kudos for doing so.

Historically Texas explicitly stated the taking of any game animal with Airguns is prohibited, but

allowed the taking of exotic or non game animals. Therefore you can take rabbit, ground squirrels,

prairie dog, coyote, bobcat, feral hogs, rams, axis deer and other non-indigenous species. But you

could not take squirrel as they are a game animal in most (but interestingly not all) of the state. I have

not seen the changes regulations, but my friend and airgunning guru Terry Tate told me the laws are

changing this year to allow small game species to be on ticket. Texas is my destination spot for big

game airgun hunting, and there are a lot of free range exotics rom Africa and Asia that can’t be hunted

anywhere else.

I obviously don’t hunt in the next state, but as a contrast to other jurisdictions presented here I’ll

mention the Pennsylvania regulations. They are at the other end of the spectrum stating that “Any

device operated by air, chemical or gas cylinder by which a projectile of any size or kind can be

discharged or propelled” is prohibited. These laws are very backwards in view of today’s Airguns,

but every year I look for change.

We’ve taken a random look at a few states regulations, which will give the prospective airgun hunter

a pretty good idea of what might be encountered. The states like California, Arizona, and Virginia

which clearly articulate their positions on airguns are the ideal. In other regions the prospective hunter

might have to do some home work to get clarification on ambiguous wording (when in doubt go to

the appropriate enforcement agencies for clarification). There are a couple of jurisdictions that are

outright restrictive with regards to airgun hunting, but hopefully they will revise their positions at

some point. Besides keeping an eye on the game regulations, the hunter also needs to consider local

ordinances with respect to where airguns can be discharged, but as a rule they are far less restrictive

than firearms. I think the future for airgun hunting looks promising, in speaking with a number of fish

and game agencies and enforcement branches it appears than many more states are looking at

clarifying or expanding current regulations to become more airgun friendly. This is a positive trend

as the sport continues to gain popularity.

So you’ve decided to lay your hands on an air rifle and hit the field in pursuit of game, the next

question is; what to hunt and where to hunt it? It is the responsibility of each and every hunter to

know the local laws, but those pertaining to airgun hunting are not always clear. There is an evolving

mosaic of regulations for airgun hunters, and one needs to keep current on the jurisdictions in which

they’ll hunt. Almost every jurisdiction requires that the hunter has a hunting license, even for pest

control. There are however, a few states such as Nevada that do not mandate a license for hunting

non game varmint and pest species. A detailed list outlining the current regulations for every state is

outside the scope of this column; however let’s take a look at a representative sample. A quick

summary of the laws in Arizona, California, Nevada, Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas will give an idea

of the regulatory landscape.

Alabama has allowed airguns to be used for taking small game for a long time, but last year they

opened the first season for whitetail deer with PCP air rifles. I was invited down to hunt with

Dammion Howard and his son Hunter (cool name BTW), and we spent a few very cold days while I

got on the board with my first Alabama buck. The people I met were great, the deer populations high,

and the laws right for thise of us that want to use big bore airguns, this is one of the spots you should

put on your “must hunt” lists.

Arizona is one of the first states that clearly spelled out the use of airguns as a legal hunting tool, and

allowed pneumatic airguns to be used for taking of small game and non-game animals for several

years. But as of last year, changes to the regulations were implemented that allow for the taking of

most large games species as well; whitetail and mule deer, pronghorn, javalina, bear, mountain lion

can now be taken with PCP air rifles .357 caliber or larger. This makes the State the destination for

airgun hunters, and I plan to hunt there a lot in coming years. As an aside Airgun Only Adventures is

the guide/outfitting service started up by Airgun of Arizona and headed up by Kip Perow, a very

knowledgeable airgun hunter and guide that can get you on to an airgunning dream hunt.

California is another jurisdiction that specifically allows the use of air powered guns for the taking of

small game animals, including rabbit, squirrel, quail, and turkey. It is stipulated that when hunting

turkey the caliber of the airgun must be .20 caliber or larger. Non game species such as sparrows,

pigeons, starlings, ground squirrels, coyote and jackrabbit may also be taken with airguns. California

is one of my favorite airgunning venues, because in addition to the well thought out regulations

pertaining to airguns, there are literally thousands upon thousands of acres of public land to hunt. I’m

a confirmed wingshooter and have been for most of my life, but taking a game bird grand slam in the

sunshine state; mountain quail, California quail, and chucker with an airgun is a realistic yet

challenging goal!

Virginia expanded their laws a few years back to allow big game, as well as small game species, to

be taken with air rifles. So besides the typical fare of squirrels, rabbits, and predators, you can use

them to take turkey, deer, and black bear. Virginia has been one of my favorite destinations over the

last few years hunting with my buddies Chip Sayers and Charles Peebles. If you’re an airgun hunter

living in the more restrictive state of Pennsylvania, it’s well worth the travel down to the more

progressive game management environment of Virginia to book your hunts!

In Michigan, game may be taken by firearm, bow and arrow or slingshot and in some instances by

crossbow. Michigan defines a firearm as a weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be

propelled by an explosive, or by gas or air. This definition of a firearm does not include a smooth

bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or

air, BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber. Thus, all air rifles, except smooth bores designed and

manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or air, BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber,

can be used to hunt small game or varmints. There are several hunters in the state that under the

preceding definition of a firearm, use airguns to hunt larger game as well.

Bob Vogel shot this doe while we were hunting in MI a few years ago. We each took a doe and a

buck on that trip.

Missouri was one of the earliest states to allow air rifles to be used for taking whitetail deer. The

regulations, which were championed and pushed through multiple wildlife management hearings by

airgun hunter Ken Cox, allow PCP air rifles of .40 caliber or larger to be used for taking deer. The

state has long allowed air rifles review for the taking of squirrel, rabbit and other small game. I’ve

taken several deer there since the laws came into effect a few years ago, and offer this up as another

one of those destination spots for airgun hunters. My friend Brian Cook has hosted Eric Henderson

and I there on multiple trips, but the state also offers up a lot of public land hunting opportunities to

set up a DYI, definitely a must do for the traveling airgun hunter.

Nevada: is one of the jurisdictions that do not specifically address airguns, but allows that small game

may be taken with handguns and rifles without stating the power source. Nothing is contained in the

regulations regarding the method of take for non-game animals. There is no closed season on those

species of wild animals or wild birds classified as unprotected. Coyote jackrabbit, skunk and weasels,

and all species of mammals which are not classified as game, fur-bearing, protected, threatened or

endangered animals. These include marmots, chipmunks, English house sparrows, starlings,

porcupines, skunks, rats, moles, voles, pocket gophers.

Indiana doesn’t specifically call out airguns either. However, they do state that gray and fox squirrels

may be taken with any equipment and ammunition during squirrel hunting season. The regulations

are the same as when hunting with a firearm, you must have a hunting license, meet fluorescent orange

clothing requirements while hunting squirrels when the season overlaps deer season, follow the same

limits and seasons as firearm. An airgun can be used to control pest birds such as English sparrows,

starlings and feral pigeons (except homing pigeons) stating they may be killed at any time and in any

number.

Kentucky allows the use of air guns for the taking of small game animals; including rabbit, squirrel,

and non game species such as sparrows, pigeons, starlings, ground squirrels, and coyote. Last season

there was a change in the laws that took many airgun hunters by surprise, the use of .177 caliber guns

was prohibited, and only guns in .20 caliber and larger were permitted. A grassroots effort led by

local airgun hunting guru Randy Mitchell, was able to lobby for a reversal of the law and permit the

use of .177. As an aside, a new regulation was passed at the same time prohibiting the use of .25

caliber airguns for hunting. Go figure! Still, the state is taking a forward thinking approach with

respect to airgunning and deserves kudos for doing so.

Historically Texas explicitly stated the taking of any game animal with Airguns is prohibited, but

allowed the taking of exotic or non game animals. Therefore you can take rabbit, ground squirrels,

prairie dog, coyote, bobcat, feral hogs, rams, axis deer and other non-indigenous species. But you

could not take squirrel as they are a game animal in most (but interestingly not all) of the state. I have

not seen the changes regulations, but my friend and airgunning guru Terry Tate told me the laws are

changing this year to allow small game species to be on ticket. Texas is my destination spot for big

game airgun hunting, and there are a lot of free range exotics rom Africa and Asia that can’t be hunted

anywhere else.

Ed Schultz (heads up engineering at Crosman Air Rifle) on our way out for a hog hunt.

I obviously don’t hunt in the next state, but as a contrast to other jurisdictions presented here I’ll

mention the Pennsylvania regulations. They are at the other end of the spectrum stating that “Any

device operated by air, chemical or gas cylinder by which a projectile of any size or kind can be

discharged or propelled” is prohibited. These laws are very backwards in view of today’s Airguns,

but every year I look for change.

We’ve taken a random look at a few states regulations, which will give the prospective airgun hunter

a pretty good idea of what might be encountered. The states like California, Arizona, and Virginia

which clearly articulate their positions on airguns are the ideal. In other regions the prospective hunter

might have to do some home work to get clarification on ambiguous wording (when in doubt go to

the appropriate enforcement agencies for clarification). There are a couple of jurisdictions that are

outright restrictive with regards to airgun hunting, but hopefully they will revise their positions at

some point. Besides keeping an eye on the game regulations, the hunter also needs to consider local

ordinances with respect to where airguns can be discharged, but as a rule they are far less restrictive

than firearms. I think the future for airgun hunting looks promising, in speaking with a number of fish

and game agencies and enforcement branches it appears than many more states are looking at

clarifying or expanding current regulations to become more airgun friendly. This is a positive trend

as the sport continues to gain popularity.

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