Advice and information for a beginner

[tbpit3w]

Hello everyone,

I am really interested in hunting, but I have no experience in any of the proper procedures and stuff to go about doing so. I have had quite a bit of experience with firearms and air rifles, but I'm more interested in air rifles, mainly because I am a non-US citizen, so its quite troublesome for me to get a firearm.

It's been quite difficult to find much information online (probably because I don't even know where to look), so I'm posting here in the hopes of being able to learn as much as I can and also if anyone could point me in the direction for a good resource I could search, I'd be very grateful.

I know that in Washington, air rifles aren't allowed for hunting game animals, but what about pest species that aren't game animals? Are there any rules that need to be followed regarding those? Do I need a hunting license for them? Where am I allowed to hunt them?

I apologize if any of the questions are stupid, but like I said, I'm really new to all this and I don't know anyone around here, let alone someone who's interested in hunting. So if anyone could provide some information that would be awesome.

Thank you!

[dreamunelk]

Kind of difficult to offer advise.  Most of us go after species that require a higher powered weapon.  One thing you may find fun is starling shooting.  Find a farmer that has a problem and have at it.  Good luck!

[AWS]

There are some airguns that are powerful enough to hunt up to to deer sized game so finding out what is legal is important.

A call to Fish and Game or a trip to your local field office might be in order.

Get a copy of the small game proclamation to find what are the unprotected species.

Go to the Predatormasters web site and do a search on air rifles and there are some threads on hunting predators with air rifles.

Predator Xtreme magezine has a colum dedicated to hunting with air rifles.

[washingtonwillie88]

starlings are super fun to shoot tricky little sobs i popped one this morning with my pellet gun

[Kain]

Starlings, English house sparrows, rats, moles, Eastern Grey Squirrel, domestic pigeons .  Should be fine with a pellet rifle.  Only most of these are in city or around houses so make sure they are legal to shoot. 


The WDFW actually recommends a pellet rifle for Domestic pigeons.

Lethal Control

Shooting has been effective in eliminating small isolated groups of pigeons. For safety considerations, shooting is generally limited to rural situations and is considered too hazardous in more populated areas, even if legal. Where shooting is legal and safe, .22 CB caps work well, so does any semi high-powered pellet rifle with a pellet velocity of 800 fps or more.

You will still need a hunting license though.  Tho only exception I know of for not needing one is if you are controlling pests on your own property or the property of your employer.

[tbpit3w]

Thank you for all the fast replies!

Well the airgun I own is a Benjamin Marauder so I think its only humane to go after small pests at most. My focus will mainly be on birds like starlings and pigeons.

So if I understand correctly, as long as any hunting, regardless of species, is done off my own properly, like in public lands, I will need a hunting license, correct? Do I also need to take hunter's ed?

[Kain]

Thank you for all the fast replies!

Well the airgun I own is a Benjamin Marauder so I think its only humane to go after small pests at most. My focus will mainly be on birds like starlings and pigeons.

So if I understand correctly, as long as any hunting, regardless of species, is done off my own properly, like in public lands, I will need a hunting license, correct? Do I also need to take hunter's ed?

You can only get a license with hunters education done first.  There is an exception for a one year deferral if you sign up for the program but you will need a hunter to sign up with you and you have to hunt with them not on your own.   

[pianoman9701]

I'm pretty sure you can shoot nutria without a license, but do confirm with the DFW.

[Kain]

I'm pretty sure you can shoot nutria without a license, but do confirm with the DFW.

Yeah it is a bit confusing sometimes.

Skunks, porcupines, opossums, mountain beavers dont really say whether they require a license or not. 


It is very confusing when one animals says no permit required like the mountain beaver.  Is license different than permit?  Better just call and ask.

Legal Status

The mountain beaver is unclassified and may be trapped or killed year-round without a permit. Although no special trapping permit is necessary for the use of live traps, a special trapping permit is required for the use of all traps other than live traps (RCW 77.15.192, 77.15.194; WAC 232-12-142). There are no exceptions for emergencies and no provisions for verbal approval. All special trapping permit applications must be in writing on a form available from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

It is unlawful to release a mountain beaver anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15.250; WAC 232-12-271).

Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about mountain beavers change, contact your local Fish and Wildlife office for updates.

[bear hunter]

Just fill out the Fed's paper work and apply for the right to used and own firearm. I don't know what they call it, but I know you can apply to have a firearm. It's all about the paper work. A friends buddy got in trouble for not filling out his paper work. He left back to Japan and will not come back,because it is a class C felony. We did find a half filled out form dating back to the 80's lol. He should of filled it out. So look in to getting your rights to have a firearm, and go for reel game. Hope this helps.

[tbpit3w]

Just fill out the Fed's paper work and apply for the right to used and own firearm. I don't know what they call it, but I know you can apply to have a firearm. It's all about the paper work. A friends buddy got in trouble for not filling out his paper work. He left back to Japan and will not come back,because it is a class C felony. We did find a half filled out form dating back to the 80's lol. He should of filled it out. So look in to getting your rights to have a firearm, and go for reel game. Hope this helps.

Thank you, I'll look into that. But if I'm not wrong, for Washington, non-US citizens are allowed to own a firearm as long as they have a hunting license.

[Brownie28]

as long as your a permanent resident if your on a temporary visa you will need a alien firearms license. and you go through your hunters safety you can purchase a huntng license and hunt. the only thing you cannot do is purchase a gun from an FFL dealer. but handling shooting or even owning guns is not a crime. im not a us citizen either but i have been hunting for years and have never had a problem. you can get whats called a Alien firearms license for around 150 dollars and once you get that you can buy guns and even get a concealed weapons permit.


http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/