Rabbits, pellet pistol style

[Fl0und3rz]

Oh!  So these aren't domestic ferel rabbits?

Domestic feral?




Yes, air rifles should be permitted for certain classified and unclassified small game.  When researching it, I believe you still need at least a small game license, but I have not looked in several years.

[pianoman9701]

Should be but aren't. 

[SteelheadDC]

I may have known a guy at WSU that took out many domestic feral rabbits in the apartment complex with a sling shot.  Have to hit them in the head, they would do a back flip and it was over

[ctwiggs1]

If they are domestics, I don't see why it's an issue.  It's like shooting an eastern grey squirrel - is there a law against using air rifles on invasive species?

[CP]

Kind of difficult to holster but these would be legal.

[pianoman9701]

If they are domestics, I don't see why it's an issue.  It's like shooting an eastern grey squirrel - is there a law against using air rifles on invasive species?

I would check with your local gamie. He's the one who'd be writing the citations. I don't believe it's legal to use a pellet gun on a squirrel, either, but I could be wrong.

[Platensek-po]

https://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-map/?hunting=Small_Game#approved_Gray_Squirrel

Not sure if it’s right or not but it does say you can use air rifles in Washington state.

[Fl0und3rz]

I find that link to be highly untrustworthy.

"*Click on the specific state and read state specific regulations, limitations and requirements.

Always consult with your local state authorities to be sure there were no recent state changes impacting hunting laws and regulations in that particular state!"

[pianoman9701]

Yeah, it's incorrect. Maybe it shouldn't be, but it is.

[Stein]

Regs say "game animals" and lists firearm, muzzleloader and archery as only legal method.  I don't have them in front of me, but that is the only reference I found that apply to rabbits.

[Platensek-po]

Stein you are absolutely correct.

Copied from the game book itself:
Hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, or by falconry Bullfrogs may only be taken by angling, hand dip netting, gigging, and bow and arrow.

[kselkhunter]

 "It is unlawful to hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, or by falconry. "


Comes down to whether the LEO/warden would choose to give you a hard time or not.   An air gun is not classified as a firearm because it uses air and not an explosive to propel the projectile. 



Cottontail/Snowshoe season is open Sep 1 to March 31 and requires small game license.  Pygmy, jackrabbit, etc. are closed statewide.   If you live west side, most local wild rabbits would be considered a cottontail breed. East side, I would be more careful identifying before shooting. 

[jackelope]

Feral domestic rabbits are unclassified. Shoot them all. Twice. WDFW has no jurisdiction over them because they're domestic, and the WSDA has no jurisdiction over them because Washington state doesn't consider them livestock. Shoot them all.

[Tracker0721]

Print off the unclassified list and go have some pellet gun fun. Email from the WDFW says unclassified can be taken with a air rifle.

[WaltAlpine]

Excellent.
If nobody gets me one for Christmas, I'm going to get an air rifle like all of my friends and take it to the squirrels and rabbits!