Whether you’re dealing with invasive rodents on your property or wild pests damaging crops, airguns have become indispensable tools for vermin control. In this comprehensive article we explore the nuances of airgun usage, covering essential techniques, equipment selection, and ethical considerations.
WHAT CAN I SHOOT?
Many people shoot live quarry, either on their own land or where they have the land owners permission. The species which you can shoot are limited by the law and by the effective power of an air rifle.
These include:
- Brown Rats
- Grey Squirrels
- Stoats
- Mink
- Rabbits
- Woodpigeon
- Feral Pigeon
- Carrion Crow
- Rook
- Magpie
- Jackdaw
- Jay
- Canada Goose
- Egyptian Goose.
Up to date information on what can be shot lawfully can be found here.
WHAT GUN SHOULD I USE?
Certain airguns are better than others when it comes to hunting vermin. Bear in mind you must ensure your air rifle or pistol is powerful enough to achieve a clean kill. Whichever gun you choose, always make certain you have a clean shot. Never shoot at partially obscured quarry or quarry which could escape before it can be retrieved. For example, don’t shoot rabbits less than 2 metres from their burrow.
Rifles
For hunting with a rifle, you’ll want a minimum power output of 11ft lbs and be shooting at a distance of no more than 30 metres to ensure a clean and humane kill.
View all recommended vermin control rifles.
Pistols
For pistols, you’ll need to find a firearm with a minimum power output of 5ft lbs to shoot at a distance of no more than 8 metres.
View all recommended vermin control pistols.
Whichever gun you use, always make certain you have a clean shot. Never shoot at partially obscured quarry or quarry which could escape before it can be retrieved. For example, don’t shoot rabbits less than 2 metres from their burrow.
WHICH PELLETS WORK BEST?
Choose pellets which are designed for hunting. These will produce a cleaner kill than those which are intended for target shooting. Check every pellet before loading to ensure that it is not damaged or deformed. Personally, I recommend using domed pellets such as JSB Exact Jumbos or JSB Hades Diabolos.
WHAT BAIT SHOULD I USE?
Rats
Liquidised cat food, peanut butter, chocolate spread are all effective ways of enticing rats out into the open.
Squirrels
Nuts and bird feed work perfectly with squirrels. Set up a bird feed on a tree and your bound to get lucky after pitching up for a few hours.
HOW TO DISPOSE OF DEAD QUARRY
Any edible quarry, like rabbits, should not be wasted. Store in a cool dry place, ready for your pot. Rats and squirrels on the other hand are in a completely different category. This rodents are riddled with all types of nasties. Always wear gloves when collecting dead vermin and bury them deep, away from any carnivorous animals.
