Airgun Laws vary per state and for good reason. Each state has a different terrain, some with a multitude of natural backstops and some with none at all. Some states have an abundance of certain species and others are next to extinct. The rhyme and reason of the varying laws are very intricate and are important to follow. Which state do you live/hunt in? What are the airgun laws and do you abide by them?
Do you know the airgun laws and regulations in your state or the state you plan to hunt in? If you don’t and you plan to wing it, you might want to think again, you could wind up paying some hefty fines and even doing time! This is serious business, don’t take it lightly!
It Once Was Not Governed
Airgun hunting has been around since Lewis and Clark’s expedition, they took down big game with the Girandoni, but they also used it for protection when necessary. Airguns weren’t governed then and hunting was perfectly legal, it was actually a way of survival.
In more recent years there are laws and regulations that all hunters, and yes even airgunners, must comply with or they’ll face heavy consequences. Airgun hunters will share the same game seasons with other hunters. Something that is very common is that in most, if not all states, during archery season, it is not permitted to take the Umarex AirSaber Elite X2 into your blind. It is considered a PCP, not a bow.
Big Game Airgun Hunting
Big game hunting with airguns is permitted in all but eleven states; Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. If you’re an airgun hunter and you live in one of those states, you’ve got some traveling to do and non-resident licenses to purchase.
If you’re not in one of those states, it doesn’t mean you’re free and clear to hit the woods with just anything and take down an elk or a white tail. Even though it’s legal it is your responsibility to show up with the permitted caliber and energy that particular state requires.
Some states have caliber regulations for different species depending on the game season. There are caliber restrictions in South Carolina, but no requirements for energy production. Requirements are generally .22 caliber or above or .22 caliber and under. For coyotes there are no caliber restrictions on private lands, it’s a different story on public lands. If you plan to hunt coyotes during small game season you must use an air rifle like the JTS Brawn either in .177 or .22 caliber. If you’re hunting during big game season, it must be larger than .22 caliber.
Only PCP Air Bows!
In Utah however, these big game animals; Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Black Bear, Pronghorn Antelope, Mule Deer, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, and Whitetail Deer have specific requirements for airguns. They only allow airguns like the Benjamin AirBow M600 that shoot arrows, it must be a PCP and must shoot the arrow 400fps or faster. The Benjamin Airbow M600 can produce plenty of energy maxing out at 600FPE.
In the same state there are no caliber or energy expectations for airguns when hunting small game or predators. So airgun laws and hunting laws vary in different states, it is each individual’s responsibility to know and abide by the laws set forth in each of them.
Before you take your Gamo Magnum GR into the swamps of Florida to harvest an American Alligator, you better read up on the regulations. I bet you’ll find, you’re only allowed to use PCP arrow shooting airguns with a restraining line attached to the arrow. For your sake and the airgunning communities’, know the laws and regulations and abide by them.
