How to Hunt With a Pellet Gun

Learn how to hunt with a pellet gun.

Pellet guns are typically associated with BB-guns, but they are very different. A BB-gun fires a small metal ball, whereas a pellet gun fires a lead pellet at a much higher velocity, and can be used for hunting more efficiently than with a BB-gun. When hunting with pellet guns, you'll be looking for small game animals such as squirrels and rabbits, as well as smaller birds. This is because the pellet gun doesn't have the capability to bring down larger animals with thick skin such as deer, or wild boar. Hunting with a pellet gun should always be performed in accordance with local ordinances.

Instructions

1. Load the pellet gun prior to setting out to look for game. Depending on your specific model of pellet gun, this can be done in several ways. Some pellet guns fire only one shot at a time, while others are lever action or work with compressed air such as CO2 cartridges and are considered semi-automatic. Consult your owners manual on loading procedures.

2. Walk along trails on your land, or any land where hunting is allowed. Walk quietly, and avoid sticks, leaves or other brush that can make noise that will scare animals or birds away. Keep in cover of brush, marsh, hills or trees as you walk.

3. Locate the animal or bird and get into a comfortable shooting position. Remember that you'll need to be in close range for your pellet gun to be effective, usually within 100 feet.

4. Aim through the sight at your target, and wait for it to become still. Aim for the head of small animals or the upper body of birds.

5. Pull the trigger and fire the pellet at the animal. If the shot doesn't kill the animal at first, try to reload and take another shot before it gets away. Sometimes more than one shot is required to kill some small game animals if the first shot doesn't succeed.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your owners manual thoroughly to ensure that you know your effective range, reloading procedures, and proper maintenance requirements for your specific model of pellet gun.

• Never hunt with a pellet gun on other homeowners property without permission.

• Never hunt in a neighborhood with a pellet gun. There are laws in place restricting the use of air rifles in many areas. Ensure that you know where you are allowed to use the pellet gun legally.

• Never point a pellet gun at anything that you do not intend to shoot or kill. A pellet gun isn't a toy, and can kill a human.

References

• Pellet Gun Hunting: Pellet Gun Hunting
• Hunting Hunters: Pellet Gun Hunting
• BB-Guns: Pellet Rifles Info