Rabbits/Air Rifles

[Bullets_n_Octane]

Call me stupid, but I can't seem to find if it is unlawful to take Rabbits with an Air Rifle... Is that LAWful? or UNlawful?

[CP]

Unlawful

[Curly]

Unlawful

 

Check page 78 of the regs:  (I bolded the pertinent part).

11. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods
It is illegal to:
• Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells.
• Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol, except forest grouse.
• Hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only be taken by angling, hand dip netting, gigging, and bow and arrow.
• Hunt game animals or game birds with a shotgun larger than 10 gauge.
• Hunt wildlife with a crossbow, except in firearm restriction areas during modern firearm seasons. Hunters with disabilities may also use a crossbow during any season that allows archery equipment with a special use permit as conditioned in WAC 232-12-054.
• Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm.

[Bullets_n_Octane]

Rigggghhhht.... Skimmed right past the word "FIREARM".... duh... good call Curly!

[Heredoggydoggy]

Depends on what the State Of Washington calls a "firearm", too.

[CP]

RCW Sections
9.41.010   

 (7) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

[Bullets_n_Octane]

I was having a moment... MY Beeman Rifle looks more like a "Firearm" than my .22 Rifle does...lol

[cowboycraig]

Unlawful

 

Check page 78 of the regs:  (I bolded the pertinent part).

11. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods
It is illegal to:
• Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells.
• Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol, except forest grouse.
• Hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only be taken by angling, hand dip netting, gigging, and bow and arrow.
• Hunt game animals or game birds with a shotgun larger than 10 gauge.
• Hunt wildlife with a crossbow, except in firearm restriction areas during modern firearm seasons. Hunters with disabilities may also use a crossbow during any season that allows archery equipment with a special use permit as conditioned in WAC 232-12-054.
• Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm.

It is unethical to shoot a Rabbit with an air rifle, but you can sick your falcon on it and let it skin and gut it for you. lol

Craig