Airgun hunting is a specialized pursuit that requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the game you’re targeting. While airguns can be used for a variety of game species, not all are suitable for ethical hunting with this type of weapon. Here, we take a detailed look at the top 10 most popular game species that can be ethically hunted with an airgun, along with tactics for success in the field.
1. Squirrels
Species Overview:
– Squirrels are perhaps the most popular small game species for airgun hunters. They are abundant, provide a good challenge due to their agility, and are excellent for honing your shooting skills.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for squirrel hunting when they are most active.
– Location: Look for hardwood forests with plenty of oak, hickory, or walnut trees, as these are common feeding grounds.
– Approach: Use a quiet, stealthy approach, as squirrels are very alert and quick to flee. Consider still-hunting, moving slowly and pausing frequently to scan the treetops and listen for movement.
– Shot Placement: Aim for a headshot to ensure a quick, humane kill. A .22 caliber airgun is typically sufficient.
2. Rabbits
Species Overview:
– Rabbits are another staple for airgun hunters, offering a good balance of challenge and reward. They are commonly found in fields, edges of forests, and brushy areas.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. Hunting during these times increases your chances of success.
– Location: Focus on areas with dense cover like hedgerows, brush piles, and field edges. Rabbits often sit tight until you get close, so be prepared for quick shots.
– Approach: Use a slow, methodical approach or set up a stationary position near known feeding areas. If using a dog, it can help flush rabbits from their hiding spots.
– Shot Placement: Aim for the head or chest for a clean kill. A .177 or .22 caliber airgun is ideal.
3. Raccoons
Species Overview:
– Raccoons are a challenging and rewarding species to hunt with an airgun. They are nocturnal and often require hunting at night, making them a more advanced target.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Nighttime is the best time to hunt raccoons. Use a powerful flashlight or night vision equipment to spot them.
– Location: Look near water sources, as raccoons often forage along streams, rivers, and ponds. They are also attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as cornfields or garbage bins.
– Approach: Stalking can be difficult, so many hunters opt for using calls or bait stations to bring raccoons within range.
– Shot Placement: A precise headshot is necessary due to the raccoon’s tough constitution. A high-powered .25 or .30 caliber airgun is recommended.
4. Pigeons
Species Overview:
– Pigeons, often considered pests, are abundant in both rural and urban environments. They provide a good opportunity for airgun hunters looking to practice their shooting skills.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Pigeons can be hunted throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are usually the most productive times.
– Location: Agricultural fields, barns, and urban areas with high roosting spots are common places to find pigeons.
– Approach: Use decoys or feeding areas to attract pigeons. You can also set up a hide or blind near known roosting sites for ambush-style hunting.
– Shot Placement: Aim for the chest or head to ensure a quick kill. A .177 or .22 caliber airgun is generally sufficient.
5. Doves
Species Overview:
– Doves are a popular game bird for airgun hunters, known for their erratic flight patterns and challenging shots. They are typically hunted during specific seasons.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hunt doves when they are feeding.
– Location: Focus on agricultural fields, especially those with sunflowers, wheat, or millet. Water sources can also be good spots, particularly in dry regions.
– Approach: Set up in a field near feeding areas and use decoys to attract doves within range. Be prepared for fast shooting.
– Shot Placement: Aim for the head or chest. A .177 caliber airgun with appropriate pellets can effectively take down a dove.
6. Cottontail Rabbits
Species Overview:
– Cottontail rabbits are smaller than other rabbit species but are abundant and offer a similar hunting experience.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Like other rabbits, cottontails are most active at dawn and dusk.
– Location: Focus on brushy areas, thick undergrowth, and the edges of fields where cottontails are likely to hide.
– Approach: Slowly work through cover or sit and wait near feeding areas. Using a shotgun approach with an airgun requires quick reflexes.
– Shot Placement: Aim for the head or heart/lung area with a .177 or .22 caliber airgun.
7. European Starlings
Species Overview:
– European starlings are an invasive species that are often targeted for population control. They are commonly found in urban and rural settings.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Starlings can be hunted throughout the day, particularly during their feeding periods.
– Location: Look for starlings around farms, orchards, and urban areas with plenty of perching spots.
– Approach: Use a baited area or decoys to attract starlings. A stationary hide or blind works well for this type of hunting.
– Shot Placement: Aim for the chest or head. A .177 caliber airgun is ideal for starlings due to their small size.
8. Groundhogs (Woodchucks)
Species Overview:
– Groundhogs are a challenging target due to their size and toughness. They are primarily hunted to manage populations in agricultural areas.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Groundhogs are most active during the warmer parts of the day when they come out to sun themselves.
– Location: Focus on areas with open fields near their burrows. Groundhogs prefer to stay close to their dens, so look for telltale signs like dirt mounds.
– Approach: A patient, long-range approach is often required. Set up at a distance where you have a clear view of their burrows and wait for them to emerge.
– Shot Placement: Aim for the head or upper chest with a high-powered .25 or .30 caliber airgun for a clean kill.
9. Feral Hogs
Species Overview:
– Feral hogs are a highly destructive and invasive species that are increasingly hunted with airguns, particularly in areas where they pose a significant threat to the environment.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Hogs are primarily nocturnal, so night hunting with appropriate lighting or night vision equipment is common.
– Location: Look for hogs near water sources, in thick brush, or around agricultural fields where they forage for food.
– Approach: Spot-and-stalk or baiting are effective methods. Due to their size and toughness, patience and precision are key.
– Shot Placement: A high-powered .30 caliber or larger airgun is necessary, and shots should be placed in the ear or behind the shoulder for a quick kill.
10. Coyotes
Species Overview:
– Coyotes are highly adaptable predators that are increasingly being hunted with airguns, particularly in areas where they are considered pests or threats to livestock.
Hunting Tactics:
– Time of Day: Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can be hunted throughout the day.
– Location: Look for coyotes in open fields, near woodlands, or around areas where they are known to prey on livestock or wild game.
– Approach: Use predator calls to lure coyotes within range. Setting up a blind or using natural cover can help you remain concealed.
– Shot Placement: A powerful .25 or .30 caliber airgun is recommended, with shots placed in the head or heart/lung area for a humane kill.
Conclusion
Airgun hunting offers a unique and challenging way to engage with a variety of game species, from small game like squirrels and rabbits to larger, more elusive targets like feral hogs and coyotes. By choosing the right airgun, understanding the habits of your quarry, and applying ethical hunting practices, you can enjoy a rewarding experience that hones your skills and deepens your connection with nature.
Whether you’re new to airgun hunting or a seasoned veteran, these ten species provide excellent opportunities to test your marksmanship and enjoy the great outdoors.
