Airgun Hunting Information USA

Airgun Hunting by State: Approved Game & Regulations

Airgun hunting offers a unique blend of challenge and accessibility, but the rules and approved game species vary significantly across states. Whether you’re targeting squirrels, rabbits, or larger game, understanding your state’s specific regulations is critical to ensuring a legal and ethical hunt. Each state’s Wildlife Management Division sets guidelines to balance conservation efforts with hunting opportunities, and these laws can change seasonally. Before loading your airgun or heading into the field, always consult your state’s official wildlife agency for the most up-to-date information on permitted species, caliber restrictions, and hunting zones. By staying informed, you not only comply with the law but also contribute to sustainable wildlife management. Prepare responsibly, respect local ecosystems, and embrace the adventure of airgun hunting within your state’s legal framework!  

Always verify details with your state’s Wildlife Management Division—regulations may evolve, and compliance ensures both safety and conservation success.

Alabama 

  • Coyote
  • Game Birds
  • Opossum
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Squirrel
  • Wild Boar
  • Frogs
  

.25 caliber and smaller.
  • Whitetail Deer
 .30 caliber or larger (we recommend .35 caliber or larger PCP)

The primary difference between .30 caliber and .35 caliber is the diameter of the projectile, with .30 caliber being 0.30 inches and .35 caliber being 0.35 inches. For hunting Whitetail Deer, a .35 caliber or larger PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifle is recommended due to its superior energy transfer and stopping power. Whitetail Deer are medium-sized game, and a larger caliber ensures a more humane and effective kill by delivering greater kinetic energy and creating a larger wound channel. This reduces the risk of wounding the animal without a clean kill. Additionally, .35 caliber pellets typically have higher mass, which improves penetration and accuracy at longer ranges, making it a more reliable choice for ethical hunting.

Alaska 

Deleterious Exotic
Ptarmigan
Ruffed Grouse
Small Game
Snowshoe Hare
Spruce Grouse

Arizona

  • Blue Grouse
  • Cottontail Rabbit
  • Pheasant
  • Pronghorn Antelope
  • Quail
  • Reptiles
  • Squirrel
  • Tree Squirrel
Badger .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Bighorn Sheep .35 caliber or larger and PCP
Bison .40 caliber and larger, PCP only capable of generating 500 foot pounds of energy at muzzle.
Black Bear .35 caliber or larger and PCP
Bobcat .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Coues Deer .35 caliber or larger and PCP
Coyote .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Elk .40 caliber and larger, PCP only capable of generating 500 foot pounds of energy at muzzle.
Fox .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Furbearers .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Javelina .35 caliber or larger and PCP
Mountain Lion .35 caliber or larger and PCP
Mule Deer .35 caliber or larger and PCP
Predators .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Raccoon .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Ringtailed Cat .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Skunk .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Turkey Arrow shooting airguns, PCP only. Arrows or air bolts with broadheads only.
Weasel .22 caliber and larger and PCP
Whitetail Deer .35 caliber or larger and PCP

Arkansas 

  • Feral Hogs
Badger .22 caliber or larger. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Beaver .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Bobcat .22 caliber or smaller. We do NOT recommend hunting coyote with such small calibers. We recommend at least .25 and as such do not consider this state\'s requirements as ethical hunting.
Coyote .22 caliber or smaller. We do NOT recommend hunting coyote with such small calibers. We recommend at least .25 and as such do not consider this state\'s requirements as ethical hunting.
Crow .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Fox .22 caliber or smaller. We do NOT recommend hunting coyote with such small calibers. We recommend at least .25 and as such do not consider this state\'s requirements as ethical hunting.
Mink .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Muskrat .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Opossum .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Quail .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Rabbit .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Raccoon .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
River Otter .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Skunk .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Squirrel .22 caliber or smaller
Weasel .22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 for any ethical hunting.
Whitetail Deer .45 caliber or larger and capable of producing 400 foot/pound of energy at muzzle.

California 

  • Aoudad Sheep
  • Coyote
  • Jackrabbit
  • Opossum
  • Pigeons
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Skunk
  • Small Game Squirrel, rabbit
  • Sparrow
  • Starlings
  • Turkey
  • Weasel

Colorado 

  • Badger
  • Beaver
  • Bobcat
  • Cottontail Rabbit
  • Coyote
  • Dusky (blue) Grouse
  • Fox Squirrel
  • Gray Fox
  • Ground Squirrel
  • Grouse
  • Hare
  • Jackrabbit
  • Mink
  • Muskrat
  • Opossum
  • Partridge
  • Pheasant
  • Pine Marten
  • Pine Squirrel
  • Prairie Chicken
  • Prairie Dog
  • Ptarmigan
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Rattlesnake
  • Red Fox
  • Skunk
  • Small Game
  • Snowshoe Hare
  • Sparrow
  • Squirrel
  • Starlings
  • Swift Fox
  • Weasel

Connecticut 

  • Cottontail Rabbit Same restrictions as firearms
  • Coyote Same restrictions as firearms
  • Crow Same restrictions as firearms
  • European Hare Same restrictions as firearms
  • Fox Same restrictions as firearms
  • Gray Squirrel Same restrictions as firearms
  • Grouse
  • Jackrabbit
  • Opossum Same restrictions as firearms
  • Raccoon Same restrictions as firearms
  • Snowshoe Hare Same restrictions as firearms
  • Whitetail Deer 

General seasons - same restrictions as firearms

State Land No-Lottery & Lottery Seasons - same restrictions as firearms

Private land rifle / revolver & Free Landowner seasons

Airgun rifles that are .243 caliber or larger. We recommend at least .35 cal

Airgun pistols that are .357 caliber or larger

  • Wild Birds
  • Wild Quadrupeds
  • Woodchuck Same restrictions as firearms

Delaware 

Gray Squirrel Between .17 and .22 caliber only w/ rifled barrel
Pheasant Between .17 and .22 caliber only w/ rifled barrel
Quail Between .17 and .22 caliber only w/ rifled barrel
Rabbit Between .17 and .22 caliber only w/ rifled barrel

Florida 

  • Alligators
  • Armadillo
  • Beaver
  • Bobcat
  • Coyote
  • Feral Hogs
  • Game Birds
  • Gray Squirrel
  • Iguana
  • Nutria
  • Opossum
  • Otter
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Skunk
  • Sparrow
  • Squirrel
  • Starlings
Turkey .20 caliber or larger, PCP and propelling a single projectile (bullet or arrow)
Whitetail Deer Firearms seasons. .30 caliber or larger, PCP and propelling a single projectile (bullet or arrow). We recommend at least .35 cal.

Georgia 

  • Armadillo
  • Feral Hogs
  • Furbearers
  • Small Game
Beaver .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Bobcat .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Coyote .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .35 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Weasel .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Fox .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Skunk .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Groundhog .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Grouse .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Muskrat .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Opossum .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Otter .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Quail .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Rabbit .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Raccoon .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.
Red Squirrel .22 caliber and smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for any ethical airgun hunting.

Idaho 

  • Badger
  • Bobcat
  • Coyote
  • Fox
  • Fox Squirrel
  • Hare
  • Marmot
  • Porcupine
  • Predators
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Red Fox
  • Skunk
  • Squirrel
  • Starlings
  • Weasel
Bighorn Sheep
PCP only .45 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Black Bear
PCP only .45 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Whitetail Deer
PCP only .35 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Wolf
PCP only .35 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Elk
PCP only .45 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Moose
PCP only .45 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Mountain goat
PCP only .45 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Mountain Lion
PCP only .35 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Mule Deer
PCP only .35 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Pronghorn Antelope
PCP only .35 caliber or larger. Idaho Game & Fish recommends using airguns that generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.

Illinois 

  • Groundhog
  • Rabbit
  • Small Game
  • Squirrel
Beaver
.22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for ethical airgun hunting. ONLY TO DISPATCH TRAPPED FURBEARERS
Furbearers
.22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for ethical airgun hunting. ONLY TO DISPATCH TRAPPED FURBEARERS
Weasel
.22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for ethical airgun hunting. ONLY TO DISPATCH TRAPPED FURBEARERS
Mink
.22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for ethical airgun hunting. ONLY TO DISPATCH TRAPPED FURBEARERS
Muskrat
.22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for ethical airgun hunting. ONLY TO DISPATCH TRAPPED FURBEARERS
Otter
.22 caliber or smaller. We recommend at least .22 caliber for ethical airgun hunting. ONLY TO DISPATCH TRAPPED FURBEARERS

Kansas & Indiana & Iowa

Kansas Indiana Iowa
Amphibians Coyote Coyote
Armadillo Feral Hogs Feral Hogs
Crow Fox Fox
Feral Hogs Private land only with required permits Groundhog Rabbit
Groundhog Pheasant Squirrel
Hare Quail
Pigeons Rabbit
Porcupine Raccoon
Prairie Dog Red Fox
Rabbit Ruffed Grouse
Reptiles Small Game
Squirrel Squirrel
Woodchuck

Kentucky 

  • Cottontail Rabbit
  • Feral Hogs
  • Gray Fox
  • Groundhog
  • Pigeons
  • Red Fox
  • Small Game
  • Sparrow
  • Starlings
  • Varmints
Beaver .22 caliber or larger.
Bobcat .22 caliber or larger. We recommend at least .35 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Fox .22 caliber or larger.
Coyote .22 caliber or larger. We recommend at least .35 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Quail With pellets in .177 / .20 / .22 / .25 caliber. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Rabbit With pellets in .177 / .20 / .22 / .25 caliber. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Raccoon .22 caliber or larger.
Skunk .22 caliber or larger.
Grouse With pellets in .177 / .20 / .22 / .25 caliber. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Mink .22 caliber or larger.
Muskrat .22 caliber or larger.
Opossum .22 caliber or larger.
Otter .22 caliber or larger.
Squirrel With pellets in .177 / .20 / .22 / .25 caliber. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Weasel .22 caliber or larger.
Whitetail Deer
Firearms season only. .35 caliber or larger projectile designed to expand on contact & powered by an external source.

Maryland 

  • Beaver
  • Bobcat
  • Coyote
  • Crow
  • Eastern Fox Squirrel
  • Fisher
  • Gray Fox
  • Ground Squirrel
  • Long-tailed weasel
  • Mink
  • Muskrat
  • Nutria
  • Opossum
  • Otter
  • Pheasant
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Red Fox
  • Red Squirrel
  • River Otter
  • Ruffed Grouse
  • Skunk
  • Squirrel
  • Woodchuck
Black Bear
.40 caliber or larger and produce at least 400 ft pounds of energy at the muzzle. Airguns that shoot an arrow must be capable of producing at least 300 fps arrow speed and shoot an arrow that is at least 18 inches long and have a broadhead tip that is at least 7/8 inches wide.
Turkey Spring season - arrow shooting airguns only. Fall season - airguns and arrow shooting airguns.
Whitetail Deer
During Firearms and Youth Seasons. .40 caliber or larger and produce at least 400 ft pounds of energy at the muzzle. Airguns that shoot an arrow must be capable of producing at least 300 fps arrow speed and shoot an arrow that is at least 18 inches long and have a broadhead tip that is at least 7/8 inches wide.

Michigan 

  • Badger
  • Beaver
  • Black Bear
  • Black Squirrel
  • Bobcat
  • Coots
  • Coyote
  • Crow
  • Fisher
  • Fox
  • Gray Squirrel
  • Ground Squirrel
  • Grouse
  • Marten
  • Mink
  • Muskrat
  • Opossum
  • Otter
  • Pheasant
  • Porcupine
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Red Squirrel
  • Skunk
  • Snowshoe Hare
  • Sparrow
  • Starlings
  • Turkey
  • Weasel
  • Woodchuck
  • Woodcock
Canada Geese Air shotguns only.
Common Snipe Air shotguns only.
Ducks Air shotguns only.
Mergansers Air shotguns only.
Moorhens Air shotguns only.
Other Geese Air shotguns only.
Waterfowl Air shotguns only.
Whitetail Deer
Limited Firearm Deer Zone (Zones 2&3 -- Lower Michigan) - .35 caliber or larger and charged from an external high compression power source.
All Firearms Deer Season (Zone 1 -- Upper Peninsula) - larger than .22 caliber. We recommend at least .35 caliber for ethical airgun hunting.

Maine &Louisiana &Massachusetts &Minnesota

Maine Louisiana Massachusetts Minnesota
Coyote Armadillo Bobcat Coyote
Fox Coots Air shotgun only. Chipmunk Eurasian Collard Dove
Gray Squirrel Coyote Coyote Gopher
Hare Feral Hogs Fox Pigeons
Opossum Rabbit Hare Porcupine
Porcupine Squirrel Opossum Quail other than Bobwhite
Quail Porcupine Skunk
Rabbit Rabbit Sparrow
Raccoon Raccoon Starlings
Red Squirrel Skunk Weasel
Ruffed Grouse Sparrow
Skunk Squirrel
Squirrel Weasel
Woodchuck Woodchuck

Nebraska

  • Badger
  • Bobcat
  • Coyote
  • Eurasian Collard Dove Except during the normal dove seasons
  • Fox
  • Long-tailed weasel
  • Mink
  • Opossum
  • Porcupine
  • Prairie Dog
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Skunk
  • Small Game
  • Squirrel
  • Unprotected Species Common Pigeon / English Sparrow / European Starling / Norway Rat / House Mouse
  • Whitetail Deer Nebraska regulations are vague regarding airguns. While not specifically allowed or disallowed, the minimum specifications for rifles for deer include the capability of producing 900 foot/pounds of energy at 100 yards -- not obtainable with airguns.
  • Woodchuck

Missouri &Montana & Nevada &New Hampshire

Missouri Montana Nevada New Hampshire
Badger Badger Badger Chipmunk
Bobcat Coyote Beaver Gray Squirrel
Coyote Ground Squirrel Bobcat Hare
Fox Grouse Mountain grouse Cottontail Rabbit Pheasant
Frogs Hare Coyote Porcupine
Gray Fox Marmot Fox Rabbit
Groundhog Porcupine Furbearers Red Squirrel
Opossum Prairie Dog Jackrabbit Woodchuck
Rabbit Quail California Quail & Gambel's Quail Mink
Raccoon Rabbit Muskrat
Red Fox Raccoon Raccoon
Skunk Red Fox Ringtailed Cat
Squirrel Skunk Skunk
Whitetail Deer During firearms season; .40 caliber or larger & PCP. Small Game Small Game
Squirrel Tree squirrel Weasel
Weasel
Woodchuck

New Jersey

Cottontail Rabbit Calibers between .177 and .22 and at least 600fps.
Gray Squirrel Calibers between .177 and .22 and at least 600fps.
Hare Calibers between .177 and .22 and at least 600fps.

New Mexico

  • Blue Grouse
  • Eurasian Collard Dove
  • Feral Hogs
  • Ground Squirrel
  • Porcupine
  • Prairie Dog
  • Rabbit
Coyote
Calibers .177 or larger. We recommend at least .35 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Grouse
Calibers .177 or larger. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Skunk
Calibers .177 or larger. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.
Squirrel
Calibers .177 or larger. We recommend at least .22 cal for ethical airgun hunting.

New York & North Carolina &Ohio &Oklahoma

New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma
Bobcat Armadillo Cottontail Rabbit Badger
Chipmunk Black Bear During firearms season. Coyote Beaver
Coyote Bobcat Crow Bobcat
Fox Cottontail Rabbit Feral Hogs Coyote
Furbearers Coyote Fox Feral Hogs
Grouse Feral Hogs Groundhog Gray Fox
Hare Fox Opossum Groundhog
Opossum Groundhog Pheasant Mink
Pheasant Grouse Quail Muskrat
Pigeons Nutria Rabbit Nutria
Porcupine Opossum Raccoon Opossum
Rabbit Pheasant Ruffed Grouse Prairie Dog
Raccoon Predators Skunk Rabbit
Red Squirrel Quail Squirrel Raccoon
Ruffed Grouse Rabbit Weasel Red Fox
Skunk Raccoon Wild Boar River Otter
Sparrow Red Fox Skunk
Squirrel Skunk Squirrel
Starlings Small Game Swift Fox
Weasel Squirrel Weasel
Woodchuck Whitetail Deer During firearms season.
Wild Boar
Woodchuck

Pennsylvania 

Beaver .22 caliber or larger. Can only be used to dispatch trapped animals.
Bobcat .22 caliber or larger. We recommend .35 cal or higher for ethical hunting.
Coyote .22 caliber or larger. We recommend .35 cal or larger for ethical airgun hunting.
Crow Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Fisher .22 caliber or larger. Can only be used to dispatch trapped animals.
Fox .22 caliber or larger.
Grouse Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Hare Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Mink .22 caliber or larger. Can only be used to dispatch trapped animals.
Muskrat .22 caliber or larger. Can only be used to dispatch trapped animals.
Opossum .22 caliber or larger.
Pheasant Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Porcupine .22 caliber or larger.
Quail Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Rabbit Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Raccoon .22 caliber or larger.
River Otter .22 caliber or larger. Can only be used to dispatch trapped animals.
Skunk .22 caliber or larger.
Squirrel Air rifles and air pistols between .177 and .22 caliber -- no BB ammunition.
Weasel .22 caliber or larger.
Woodchuck .22 caliber or larger.

Rhode Island

  • Gray Squirrel
  • Red Squirrel
  • Snowshoe Hare
Squirrel
Between .177 and .22 caliber. Airgun must be capable of firing a 7.5 grain or heavier pellet at a speed of at least 750 fps.
Woodchuck
Between .177 and .22 caliber. Airgun must be capable of firing a 7.5 grain or heavier pellet at a speed of at least 750 fps.
Coyote
May be taken by any legal means during any concurrent hunting season. So, during small game season, airguns that are legal for small game can be used to take a coyote.
Rabbit
Between .177 and .22 caliber. Airgun must be capable of firing a 7.5 grain or heavier pellet at a speed of at least 750 fps.

South Carolina

  • Beaver
  • Bobcat
  • Coyote
  • Fox
  • Muskrat
  • Opossum
  • Otter
  • Skunk
  • Weasel