Pellet gun

[wabow]

Information received from the commission.

Crows are predatory birds not game birds and are not subject to the firearm restriction as are starlings. Eastern gray squirrels are not classified but are non native and are not subject to the restriction or RCW 77.15.140. Coyotes are not a game animal per Title 232 of the Washington administrative code are not subject to the firearm restriction they are however non classified and permission is given to hunt by the commission. Most Rabbit's are either a game animal, endangered or protected see title 232.

You are free to hunt with an air rifle any classified native species not listed in Title 232 as game or furbearing.

Don

[Bob33]

I wonder about coyotes since you need a license to hunt them.

[wabow]

I wonder about coyotes since you need a license to hunt them.

They have to require a license just like crows irregardless. Hunting of any kind in the state of WA is a Recreational License Required Activity per RCW 77.32.010.

Don

[Bob33]

So the bottom line is that some animals and birds can legally be hunted with an air rifle, but not most.  I wonder how many enforcement officers know where those lines are?  My guess is not many.

[rasbo]

da ol benny just took out a starling moments ago

[Bob33]

OK to kill "predatory birds" but not "game birds" with an air rifle.  I guess that is the distinction.

[sako223]

I find the Info suspect as in maybe no one really knows the correct answer. I believe it would be interpreted on the spot and then again in court if there was a citation.
First thing I know from the regs is that there is a season on crows and none on starlings. Except depredation which there is even a clause in the federal protection of magpies.
I believe Oregon has airgun specific guidelines including caliber limits for game. This is what we need to see. There are airguns small or big enough for each species even for big game.
As it stands there is a lot of gray area, which usually ends up costing the hunter.

[bobcat]

There's no reason air rifles shouldn't be legal for hunting. You can use a 25 caliber pistol for elk hunting.  

Why not a 177 or 22 caliber air rifle for grouse or rabbits?

[Sumpnneedskillin]

CA game regs say you can use .20 or better air rifle for Turkey.   I don't see why you can't use a .20 or better for alot of the upland and small game.  Most of the decent ones are slinging lead at 800fps or better.

[wabow]

As it stands there is a lot of gray area, which usually ends up costing the hunter.

They have to cite an rcw, wac or municode to issue the citation.

Don

[Bob33]

Here is what I've learned, which may still be incorrect:

(a) It is not legal to hunt game birds or game animals in Washington with an air rifle.
(b) It is legal to hunt non game animals and non game birds (predatory birds) with an air rifle.
(c) The laws do not make complete sense, because many air rifles are quite capable.
(d) The laws are misunderstand by many, including a significant number of enforcement officers.

"Buyer beware".

[denali]

A good option if you have a 22 rifle is use the CB's. Very quiet and deadly.

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/products/detail.aspx?use=3&loadNo=0038




Thanks for the advice and link Bobcat, picked up some CCI  22 short CB's for my single shot Ithica - 700 FPS and very quiet