Grouse hunting with an air rifle

[brush hunter]

  With the high fire danger is it legal to hunt Grouse with an air rifle? I really don't see where it's illegal.

[CP]

See page 51:

FIREARM REGULATIONS
It Is Unlawful To Hunt:
• Game birds with a shotgun capable of holding
more than three shells.
• Game birds or game animals with a shotgun
larger than 10 gauge.
• Turkeys with shot larger than #4 (e.g. #2).
• Game birds or game animals with anything
other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, or by falconry.

[metlhead]

I thought a muzzleloader was not considered a firearm

[Platensek-po]

I thought a muzzleloader was not considered a firearm

Federally they are not considered a firearm but the state of Washington says that they are. So by state law they are a firearm

[Ronquillo08]

Nope it is illegal, can't even hunt squirrels in Washington with an air rifle.

[nopretext]

I think WDFW voted to allow .22 and .25 air rifle for small game and maybe grouse starting next year… but rule changes are glacial and I forgot where I found meeting minutes about it.

Not sure about squirrels, I didn’t think there were restrictions on hunting unclassified animals?

[Lady Grouse hunter]

Soo, From what I see,, Rimfire .22 or .22 mag is legal,, But NO Air rifle have never been legal as a weapon in this state for Forest Grouse, or any Upland birds.
Forest Grouse in this state are NOT considered an Upland bird here. & .Rimfire loads are legal here, shotgun loads are as well.
Hand guns up to 45 cal. are too.
Hey BEE safe out there kill them clean take them home and have a BBQ!!!!
L.G.H

[Ronquillo08]

I think WDFW voted to allow .22 and .25 air rifle for small game and maybe grouse starting next year… but rule changes are glacial and I forgot where I found meeting minutes about it.

Not sure about squirrels, I didn’t think there were restrictions on hunting unclassified animals?

If that's true, that would be great. That's how I started hunting.

[pickardjw]

I was just thinking how nice it would have been to have an air rifle for the high hunt...couldn't walk 100 feet without kicking up a grouse.

[Boss .300 winmag]

I think WDFW voted to allow .22 and .25 air rifle for small game and maybe grouse starting next year… but rule changes are glacial and I forgot where I found meeting minutes about it.

Not sure about squirrels, I didn’t think there were restrictions on hunting unclassified animals?

They need to add slingshots to the list.😉

[nopretext]

My mistake, it was proposed originally for this year's batch of changes, but it doesn't look like it was adopted. Don't know why. Maybe 2024?