Is an Airsoft gun powerful enough to kill a small animal? Is such a thing possible? Is it likely?

A Short Answer

As their name suggests, Airsoft guns are designed to be “softer” – in terms of impact – than other air or “BB” guns. This is the case both in terms of the ammunition (Airsoft guns use plastic pellets as opposed to metal ones) and in terms of propulsion (Airsoft guns generally shoot the pellets at lower velocities). At the same time, Airsoft guns are made to be safe for use among humans. (At least, they’re safe provided that we take the proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety gear. For more on this, see HERE.) Many animals – particularly those classified as “small game” – have lighter bodies and more fragile bones than humans do. So, the fact that Airsoft guns are considered generally safe for interpersonal use does not necessarily tell us anything about their use on animals.

So, can Airsoft guns kill small animals? Whether an Airsoft gun would be able to kill a small animal probably “…largely depends upon the velocity of the projectile. Airsoft weapons are designed to not penetrate the skin on humans (humans are thin skinned). …[I]t is unlikely for Airsoft weapons to kill or injure any Big Game animal. …[A]lso[,] …Airsoft would [probably] not immediately kill most small game animals. However, the smaller the animal gets the more chance of injury or death to that animal occurs when struck by a BB with velocities of 300-400 Feet per second or more, as Airsoft [is able to generate]. It is likely, …that internal injury would occur to small game such as rabbits which may cause internal hemorrhaging or possible penetration into the body.”[1]

A Longer Discussion

The above opinion was provided by Nevada Game Warden Jake Kreamer. Officer Kreamer reported that he has “…been a law enforcement firearms instructor for the past 14 years and [has] extensive training and personal experience with guns, training equipment such as Airsoft as well as injury produced by weapons of various types and calibers to a wide array of animals.”[2]

However, Kreamer’s isn’t the only opinion that I collected. To try to get a fix on whether Airsoft guns could possibly be lethal to small animals, I emailed a number of individuals in the various U.S. States. Most of the contacts work in state departments of game and fish, natural resources, wildlife, etc.

Readers will note that I received a wide variety of answers! Some of the answers are compatible with each other. Others are, well… less compatible!

A Few Caveats

The Ambiguity of ‘Air Gun’

Bear in mind that there can be some confusion regarding the phrase “air gun.” This is important to keep in the back of your head because it is possible – even somewhat likely – that the wide variety of answers is at least partly due to various respondents having different weapons in mind when they answer. If a person is thinking of a 1,000 feet-per-second (fps) air rifle shooting steel BBs, then it is understandable that a person might think it was a virtual certainty that a small animal could be killed. On the other hand, if a person is thinking of a 0.12 gram bona fide Airsoft gun that discharges projectiles at 200 fps, then “absolutely not” might be a reasonable answer when asked if such a thing could kill a rabbit.

Airsoft guns are “…not designed or built for the taking of game. …[An Airsoft gun] would have a higher percentage [chance] to injure or wound [an] animal [than to] be lethal. This is an issue of ethics and animal harassment.”[3]

Questions in Ethics

Another relevant issue is that of hunting ethics. Actually, it is probably a constellation of issues.

Numerous correspondents made mention of the fact that a “humane hunter” is often defined as one who attempts to kill the targeted animal is as quick and painless a way as possible. Some states have minimum standards for things like ballistic impact energy or bullet penetrative power that are, apparently, in place to try to guarantee (as much as possible) that an animal will be killed immediately upon impact when hit by a BB, pellet, shot, etc.

Along these lines, many of those answering my questions worried that, although it may be possible for an Airsoft gun to kill a small animal, “it would be unethical to try” it. The reason? Some authorities fear that you’re far more likely to injure the animal than you are to kill it.[4]

A related issue is that I am of course limited in answering the main question question since it would presumably be unethical to perform the sorts of experiments that might settle the issue one way or the other. Instead, I have to rely on principles and on the opinions of experts.

I have really covered principles – e.g., of Airsoft gun construction (as compared and contrasted with more powerful air guns) – HERE. The majority of this article, therefore, will concentrate on my collection of expert opinions. But let me just say a few things about principles anyway.

One Fish and Game Department representative from Alaska answered my titular question by appealing to gun specifications. He noted that some hunting tutorials advise the selection of metal-pellet-firing (as opposed to “BB”) rifles that are capable of propelling projectiles at velocities of 700 feet per second (fps) at least. In contrast to this, Airsoft guns shoot plastic BBs at much lower velocities – e.g., 250-450 fps.  However, this change in shot material and reduction of muzzle velocity affects the ability of the Airsoft gun to be used for hunting. He writes: “So you can see the airsoft barely achievers half the velocity of recommended pellet speeds and it shoots [plastic] ‘bb’ and not a [metal] pellet.”[5]

The point he seems to be making is that hunting guns are – by design – usually far more powerful than Airsoft weapons. From this, seemingly, we could conclude that Airsoft weapons are unlikely to be effective for hunting purposes. This is reasonable.

Another principle would be the one noted in my opening paragraph. Airsoft guns are intended to be used in interpersonal, recreational war games. It probably wouldn’t be wise to play a game that involved shooting at other human beings with a weapon that was likely to kill an animal – even a small one.

Answers From Experts

But, this post is not primarily about principles. Again, for more on these, see HERE.

Instead, I thought it would be enlightening to ask various experts for their opinions and then catalog the results.

The Question

The question I asked was simply this.

Would an airsoft gun actually be able to kill an animal? Like a rabbit or squirrel? Etc.

The question was not multiple choice. It was totally open ended. Some respondents replied with short – or even one-word – replies. Most, though, provided short-answer-type replies. To date, I have received 58 replies.

The Results

Description

I classified my answers into six (6) categories: “Don’t know,” “Absolutely not,” “Probably not,” Possibly yes,” “Yes,” and “It depends.”

To some degree, I had to interpret the responses that were given. The various labels are my own inventions. I had to summarize the replies and these labels seems to me to adequately and genuinely represent the gist of the remarks. Readers may disagree slightly over my use of labels. Feel free to leave comments!

Answer	Number of Responses
Don’t Know	6
Absolutely Not	8
Probably Not	11
Possibly Yes	23
Yes	4
It Depends	6

1 Summary of the number of replies received for each of six categories of answer.

Arguably, some of the replies overlap. For example, saying that “it depends” doesn’t necessarily rule out other answers – like “Probably not” or “Possibly yes.” Additionally, the two most popular answers – “Probably not” and “Possibly yes” – are not mutually exclusive. Someone could think that Airsoft guns are unlikely to result in an animal kill, and yet acknowledge simultaneously that they may do so.

Analysis

Eight respondents thought that the possibility of an Airsoft gun killing an animal was so remote that they felt comfortable saying (something close to) “Absolutely Not.”

Only six basically opted out of answered by saying they “Don’t Know.”

Clearly, the most widely received reply was “Possibly Yes.”

The second most popular response was “Probably Not.” But, as noted previously, “Probably Not” does not necessarily rule out “Possibly Yes.” In fact, it may be that the two responses actually fit together.

It is reasonable to think, then, that the majority of replies imply that there is a possibility – however remote – that an Airsoft gun would be able kill a small animal. These replies include “It Depends,” “Possibly Yes,” “Yes,” and (arguably) “Probably Not.” The main differences seem to be in terms of the probability assignments that are assumed. So, whereas an unqualified “Yes” implies that the respondent thinks that the probability is non-negligible, a “Probably Not” implies that it is much less – but (seemingly) still not zero.

So, recall the question, again. Would an airsoft gun actually be able to kill an animal? I might suggest that the data be summarized in two ways, based on two readings of the question.

The first reading is the bare-possibility reading. Is it at least possible that an Airsoft gun could kill a (small) animal? Read this way, I’d submit that out of 58 responses, 6 were unsure, 8 were emphatic “Nos,” and the remainder – or 44 responses – were some variation on “Yes.” Though, to be sure, the “Yes” answered differed in terms of the subjective probability assignments.

Is It Possible for an Airsoft Gun to Kill an Animal?

Yes = 75.9%

No = 13.8%

Unsure = 10.3%

The second reading is the likelihood reading. Is It Likely that an Airsoft gun would be able to kill an animal? Here, I would say that the only affirmative category that might have any claim to represent a relative high likelihood is the unqualified “Yes” – which was only 4 people. As before, the 6 “Don’t Knows” basically opted out of answering. But on this reading the remaining categories – a full 48 answers – might all be thought to have expressed some variation of the answer: It’s not very likely that an Airsoft gun would kill an animal.

Is It Likely that an Airsoft Gun to would Kill an Animal?

Yes = 6.9%

No = 82.8%

Unsure = 10.3%

So…the consensus seems to be this:

• Is it possible for an Airsoft gun to kill a (small) animal? Almost 76% of respondents said: Yes.
• Is it likely? Around 83% said:  No.

The Data

Don’t Know

“I do not know if they can kill an animal and I would never suggest someone try it.  Some of the airsoft rules I have read say not to shoot at animals with them.”[6]

“I would not be able to say with certainty whether or not an airsoft gun was able to kill a small game animal. It is unlikely, however, that an airsoft gun would be able to kill a big game animal. I am aware, however, that large caliber airguns, specifically designed for hunting applications, can be effective hunting weapons under certain circumstances. Though these are currently not legal in Hawaii, I understand that large caliber airguns (not airsoft guns) may be legal hunting weapons in other states.”[7]

“I am unable to answer, ‘Would an airsoft gun actually be able to kill an animal?…’ due to the fact I have not experienced a hunter using this method of take.”[8]

“I don’t know [whether Airsoft guns could kill small animals].  Airsoft has the potential to injure especially if using customized pellets. … Airsoft can be dangerous to humans if used inappropriately or without the required safety protections.  Airsoft can be dangerous to wild game or birds and would be considered an illegal method of take if used to kill or injure them possibly rising to the level of animal cruelty depending on the given scenario.”[9]

“I cannot answer this question because it would depend on the weapons capabilities (i.e. pressure, projectile speed, distance, etc.).”[10]

“I do not know if they can kill an animal and I would never suggest someone try it.”[11]

Absolutely Not

“I would say with almost 100% certainty that it would not be able to kill an animal. Airsoft guns by design, are meant to be used similar to a paintball gun in games where – when protective equipment is used, can be used shooting at other people playing the game. If an airsoft gun was capable of killing an animal, no matter how small, certainly wouldn’t be safe to be utilized and advertised as a ‘toy’ or in a game where people shoot at other people with it.”[12]

A “…projectile …[is] expelled from the muzzle of an airsoft gun …by compressed air. As far as hunting with this type of gun, and attempting to harvest big game… or even small game, it would be impossible.”[13]

“An airsoft gun would not be able to kill an animal.”[14]

“I don’t believe that an airsoft gun would have the necessary muzzle energy to harvest animals.”[15]

“NO. Lookup the word ballistics and Terminal Ballistics which is the study of how projectiles act once they hit a target.”[16]

Would an airsoft gun actually be able to kill a small animal like a rabbit or squirrel?  “NO.”[17]

Airsoft “doesn’t produce enough energy to kill or wound even the smallest of game.”[18]

“Ballistically speaking, air soft and its plastic projectile does not have the velocity or kinetic energy  required to dispatch game.”[19]

Probably Not

“Although not impossible, it is very, very unlikely an airsoft gun would be capable of …[killing an] animal.  An airgun, which is a permitted hunting device, fires a much heavier, solid metal projectile at speeds over 800 feet per second (FPS).  In comparison, an airsoft gun fires much lighter, non-metallic ‘BBs’ at speeds of 400 FPS and under.”[20]

“While killing an animal is unlikely, airsoft guns and other projectiles could cause injury to small game and birds. Using an airgun in this manner is potentially an illegal form of wildlife harassment (you would need to verify this with Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division).”[21]

“Not typically, it does not have the energy to kill an animal.”[22]

“An Airsoft gun is not likely to kill an animal due to the low muzzle energy. The pellet would not penetrate the tough skin and provide for a killing shot. It may however cause an injury to the animal that would be more hurtful and abusive. I would not recommend shooting any animal with an airsoft gun.”[23]

“Highly unlikely they would kill a rabbit or squirrel. Would require very close-range discharge and highly specific area of impact to have any chance of lethal penetration.”[24]

“The velocity of an airsoft gun is usually insufficient to be lethal to wildlife except at extreme close range 10 feet or less and even at that distance it would depend on where the projectile hit the animal.  However[,] whenever a projectile is fired at an animal there is always the possible of the projectile injuring or killing it.”[25]

“…I don’t believe that an airsoft gun would be able to kill an animal if the information …[about Airsoft guns on Wikipedia] is correct. It states that the projectiles have a 1.1 foot pound[s] of impact energy.  Most animals would require at least 3 to 4 foot pounds of impact energy.  The other issue would be that in addition to the required foot pounds of energy required the velocity of the pellet would need to travel fast enough to meet the needs of a humane kill. The projectile would need to go at least 400 feet per second and generally only the most high-powered BB guns can reach that minimum. I don’t believe that the airsoft would.”[26]

“An airsoft gun is for close range recreation and is not intended to be lethal. It might injure a squirrel or rabbit, but would not [humanely] kill either.”[27]

“In my opinion based on almost 40 years of hunting, I do not believe that an airsoft projectile would kill a rabbit or squirrel at any reasonable distance. I do believe that it would bruise or injure them.  It may have enough ballistic energy to kill a small bird at a very close range, but most likely it would injure it.  As an ethical hunter, it is important that a sure, clean kill be made. Lastly, here is a link to an article that helps to explain the energy needed to cleanly kill various animals.  As you noted in your email, airsoft typically produces 1.1 foot-pounds of energy and the smallest of animals generally requires at least 5 foot-pounds of energy for an ethical kill.”[28]

“It is highly unlikely an airsoft gun would be capable of killing any small game animals however there is a possibility.”[29]

“I’m not totally sure on this one as I’m not familiar with all platforms of Airsoft guns, but the ones I’m familiar with (toy store guns) probably don’t have enough knock-down power to kill most animals, with the possible exception of small birds.”[30]

Possibly Yes

Still, a different official expressed his opinion that “…some of the higher velocity Airsoft guns would be capable of taking some small game.”[31]

“Airsoft guns fire a projectile, any projectile has the capability to kill an animal.  Although the likelihood of serious injury or death is low, it is still possible. We have investigated many incidents where animals were poached using BB guns, sometimes intentionally, other times not knowing it could kill. A small BB, plastic or metal, can penetrate skin and organs such as a lung, causing harm and eventual death.  Shooting at a game animal with an Airsoft or similar projectile is illegal.”[32]

“I would say an airsoft indeed could possibly kill small game. Not effectively but could possibly.”[33]

“Could it kill an animal? Maybe but not reliably.”[34]

“Airsoft guns would not be effective at killing any of Maryland’s game animals given the low muzzle energy and round plastic/resin projectiles. In theory, a strike to the right area could produce a kill (e.g. a shot in the eye at close range), but that would not be reliable or effective.”[35]

“There are some higher-powered Airsoft guns out there that may be able to at close range kill a small animal such as a squirrel, or a small bird but it would not be a humane death for the animal and it would not kill it quickly. It is the hunter’s responsibility to make every kill as humane and quick as possible so that the animal does not suffer.”[36]

“Though in some cases it might be able to take a small animal or bird it would not be the choice of an ethical hunter.  We teach in hunter safety classes that animals should be taken by clean, one shot manner so as not to cause any suffering or lost game.  Respect for the animal dictates that we should always choose the right method, firearm and ammunition to ensure a harvest that would allow for the best use of the animal.”[37]

“The traditional airsoft toys manufactured could kill or injure a smaller animal such as a bird but more than likely will not kill larger mammals such as squirrels or rabbits and actually cause more harm and suffering since it may wound or hurt the animal instead of humanely killing it during hunting.”[38]

Another states: “Any weapon does have the ability to kill an animal if shot properly, so Firearms safety should be followed at all times.”[39]

“I am not aware of any reports of successfully killing game with an airsoft gun, but you can never rule out a close range, well placed shot on something small like a bird, rat or maybe a rabbit.”[40]

“An Airsoft gun probably could kill an animal with the proper shot placement. However, I have never encountered anyone using an Airsoft gun to hunt with because most hunters feel it is not powerful enough to make a quick and clean kill.”[41]

“If you shot a squirrel or a rabbit in the eye with an airsoft gun, could it kill it? Maybe yes maybe no, but it would [injure] it. So[,] …yes [an Airsoft gun] could kill it.”[42]

“I’ve never attempted to kill an animal with an airsoft gun but I have been shot with them on a few occasions. I would assume that a small house birds, lizards, mice, and possibly a few other smaller type animals with think skin could be killed by airsoft gun but that is just a guess on my part. I would assume shooting a squirrel or other small animals with an airsoft gun would possibly cause some internal damage if you could get close enough but again that is just a guess. However[,] animals with thick fur such as rabbits would probably not be affected much by an airsoft projectile.”[43]

“Generally speaking, it may be able to kill small game in certain circumstances. However, whatever method that is used in taking game it is important that it is an ethical kill. Meaning that the animal is dispatched as humanely and efficiently as possible. The law and rule mentioned is established as the minimum standard to more than ensure that methods used will meet this criteria and not cause undue harm. Furthermore, if the velocity of an airsoft gun was to achieve 1,000 fps it would still have to use hunting pellets that are designed specifically for lethality[.] (See here for what hunting pellets look like[.]) The plastic pellets that airsoft guns use would not meet this criteria [sic].”[44]

“[I]t is possible [to kill an animal with an Airsoft gun] depending on where the animal was hit and the velocity of the bullet. There are some airsoft guns which are much more powerful than the …[typical guns, with low kinetic energy of 1.5 joules or less]. However, in general I would not consider them to be effective and the wounding mortality [sic] would be potentially high.”[45]

“While they likely would kill a squirrel or bird if you hit them in exactly the right location, the humane and clean part of the equation would kick in if you didn’t hit them in that exact spot.”[46]

“[A]ir soft guns probably could kill a small animal. However, due to their makeup, normally don’t provide enough ‘knock-down power’ to humanely kill most animals. Therefore, it might be more of an ethical issue using them for hunting. We would never want to see a person wound an animal leaving it to suffer.  We would rather see a quick, humane end to any animal death. I hope the distinction between a ‘legal basis’ versus an ‘ethical basis’ makes sense.”[47]

“If you are close enough, an Airsoft gun might have enough power to kill a small mammal.”[48]

Relatedly, Tony Young (of Florida’s game commission) writes: “Any mechanism launching a projectile has the possibility of killing an animal. If shot placement was perfect, I imagine it could harvest a rabbit or a gray squirrel[.] …[H]owever, …it is recommended to use a method of tak[ing the game] that shoots much faster and has more energy upon impact to humanely harvest wildlife.”[49]

“It could perhaps kill a small bird, but probably not a squirrel or rabbit.”[50]

“…[A]ir soft guns probably could kill a small animal. However, due to their makeup, normally don’t provide enough ‘knock down power’ to humanely kill most animals.  Therefore, it might be more of an ethical issue using them for hunting. We would never want to see a person wound an animal leaving it to suffer. We would rather see a quick, humane end to any animal death.”[51]

“Could an airsoft gun actually kill an animal? Generally speaking airsoft guns are designed to be less lethal when used with the proper protective equipment. With that being said they still shoot a projectile capable of death under the right circumstances; i.e. shooting a small animal at close range or even a larger animal is just the right spot. This is probably a rarity but it is still a potential. The fact airsoft rifles are specifically designed to be less lethal is the exact reason it is not listed as a legal authorized method of take in the regulations for hunting.”[52]

Would an airsoft gun be able to kill an animal? Like a rabbit or squirrel? Etc. “Probably, however there would be an ethical as well as legal issue with using an airsoft gun to hunt. More than likely you would only wound an animal and not recover it. As a hunter you should strive for a quick clean kill that does not cause the animal undo stress or pain. As stated in question 1, an Airsoft gun would be considered a mechanical device that would be prohibited from use while hunting.”[53]

Yes

“Yes, air rifles absolutely can kill animals, and people do use them to hunt rabbits and squirrels. There are air rifles that are capable of ethically killing larger animals as well.”[54]

“Yes these would likely be able to kill small animals.”[55]

“Certain airsoft guns that I have seen, would be able to kill a squirrel or rabbit.”[56]

“There are air guns on the market with the capacity to dispatch small game, such as rabbits and squirrels.”[57]

It Depends

“That would depend on the animal and where hit.”[58]

Whether an Airsoft gun could kill an animal “…depends on the velocity of the projectile, the distance from the muzzle, and the location (and size) of the animal struck. I would think in most cases it [i.e., an Airsoft gun] is not a lethal weapon, though a small songbird or small mammal might be killed if struck in a vital area by a high-velocity pellet at close range.”[59]

“I can’t say for sure, because it would depend on distance and power of the individual gun, but because they shoot soft ammo they aren’t intended for harvesting an animal.”[60]

“Depending on how powerful your airsoft gun is will determine if it could kill an animal.  There are air rifles that have been produced that claim to be able to kill big game, such as deer and moose.”[61]

It “…largely depends upon the velocity of the projectile. …” and “I cannot answer this question because it would depend on the weapons capabilities (i.e. pressure, projectile speed, distance, etc.).”[62]

Postscript: Safety

“The last thing I would say is that you should always treat every gun, whether it be an actual firearm, a pellet rifle or an airsoft gun with respect. All these guns are designed for different purposes but all shoot some sort of projectile [that] has the potential of causing injury or death. …

“You should always follow the 10 commandments of gun safety:

“1. WATCH THE MUZZLE

“2. TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT WERE LOADED

“3. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS IN FRONT OF AND BEYOND IT.

“4.  KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.

“5. CHECK YOUR BARREL AND AMUNITION.

“6. UNLOAD GUNS WHEN NOT IN USE.

“7. POINT A GUN ONLY AT SOMETHING YOU INTEND TO SHOOT.

“8. DON’T RUN, JUMP OR CLIMB WITH A LOADED GUN.

“9. STORE GUNS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATELY.

“10. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS BEFORE AND DURING ANY SHOOTING ACTIVITIES.”[63]

Fore more on safety, see my articles:

• Does an Airsoft Gun Have to have an Orange Tip?
• Airsoft Safety Tips From Lawmakers and Police Officers

Notes:

[1] Jake Kreamer, Game Warden, Nevada Department of Wildlife; via email.

[2] Jake Kreamer, Game Warden, Nevada Department of Wildlife; via email. Kreamer’s “vote” is included under the subheading “It Depends,” above.

[3] Jeff Hopkins, Safety Education Section, Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

[4] Wendy Crase, Administrative Assistant, Missouri Department of Conservation; via email.

[5] Rick Green, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game; via email. I found an informative webpage (HERE) that can give you an idea of the amount of energy (in foot-pounds) necessary to kill various wild animals. The same authors also have a handy online “app” for calculating the energy based on pellet weight and velocity.

[6] Marilyn Alberg, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Law Enforcement Division; via email.

[7] Andrew Choy, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hunter Education Program Manager; via email.

[8] Cameron Ingram, Major of Field Operations, Law Enforcement Division, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; via email.

[9] Sergeant Sean Buckley, Officer #624, Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police, Western District Headquarters; via email.

[10] Edward Pratt, Press Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries; via email.

[11] John McCord, Assistant Director of Law Enforcement, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; via email.

[12] Josh Bubier, Maine Warden Service; via email.

[13] Warren Goodson, West Virginia Law Enforcement; via email.

[14] Danny Baggot, Administrative Secretary, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Boating and Law Enforcement Division; via email.

[15] Kris Thorson, Hunter Education Division Specialist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; via email.

[16] Bryan Wilkerson, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; via email.

[17] George Oberstadt, Hunter Education Coordinator, Wyoming Game and Fish Department; via email.

[18] Johnathan O’Dell, Small Game & Migratory Game Birds Biologist, Arizona Game and Fish Department; via email.

[19] Thomas Donlon, Coordinator, Conservation Education and Firearms Safety Program, Wildlife Division, Bureau of Natural Resources, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; via email.

[20] Chase Sanford, Conservation Police Officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, Region 2, District 4; via email. This is reiterated by Captain Dan Lehman, who write: “An air soft pellet would most likely injure an animal but would not quickly and ethically kill an animal. An air soft would cause a painful injury to animal. Shooting animals with an air soft would be cruel and be a violation of animal cruelty laws. Bottom line is that it is illegal to use an air soft for hunting.” Daniel Lehman, State of California, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Law Enforcement Division-Central District, Northern Patrol District, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced and Mariposa Counties; via email.

[21] Meghan Dugan, Public Information Officer, Roseburg, Oregon; via email.

[22] Kurt Blanchard, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Law Enforcement; via email.

[23] Robert Parham, Hunter Education, State of Mississippi.

[24] Tony Wasley, Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife; via email.

[25] Rob Hossler, Wildlife Administrator, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife; via email.

[26] Michael Hook, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Small Game Program Leader; via email.

[27] Trevor Meadows, Cheyenne Game Warden; via email.

[28] Major Scott E. Naff, Assistant Chief of Operations, Virginia Conservation Police, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries; via email.

[29] Joshua Bauer, Communication Center Wildlife Team Lead, Assistant Fishing Reporter, Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[30] Tyler Turnipseed, Chief Game Warden, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Law Enforcement; via email.

[31] Mark McKinnon, Public Affairs Officer, Law Enforcement Division; via email.

[32] Adam Pankratz, Warden Captain, Enforcement Division, Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks, Region 3; via email.

[33] Duane Arp, Law enforcement administration, Assistant division administrator; via email.

[34] Lt. David A. Gregory, District Chief Game Warden, Vermont; via email.

[35] Harry Spiker, Game Mammal Section Leader, Wildlife & Heritage Service, Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[36] Timothy Barboza, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement; via email.

[37] Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement; via email.

[38] Reuben Gonzales, State Watercraft Investigator, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona Area; via email.

[39] Richard Patton, Information Consultant, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[40] “Ron,”, Ohio Department of natural Resources, Ohio Division of Wildlife; via email.

[41] Tom Strother, Protection Regional Supervisor, Missouri; via email.

[42] Sgt. Paul R. Axton, Indiana Conservation Officers, District Seven; via email.

[43] Andrew Gray, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish; via email.

[44] Matthew Gross, Regional Program Assistant, Associate Wildlife Biologist, South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks; via email.

[45] Craig Stover, Nebraska Conservation Officer; via email.

[46] Matt O’Connell, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Assistant Chief of Enforcement; via email.

[47] Brandon Kieft, First Lt., District Law Supervisor, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, Roscommon Customer Service Center; via email.

[48] Colonel Jason M. Batchelder, Chief Warden, Vermont Fish and Wildlife; via email.

[49] Tony Young, Media Relations Coordinator, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; via email.

[50] Glenn D. Therres, Associate Director, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Department of Natural Resources.

[51] F/Lt. Brandon Kieft, District Law Supervisor, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, Roscommon Customer Service Center; via email.

[52] Lt. Peter J. Blake, California Wildlife, Supervisor Shasta and Tehama Counties; via email.

[53] Sgt. Brian Olsen, Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

[54] Tina Johannsen, Program Operations Manager, Game Management, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[55] Mike Mitchell, Assistant Commander Game Warden, Law Enforcement Division, Austin, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department; via email.

[56] Lt. Todd Draper, Assistant Supervisor, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Law Enforcement; via email.

[57] Wildlife Program Customer Service, Washington; via email.

[58] Lori Kensington, North Dakota Game & Fish Department, Enforcement Division; via email.

[59] Paul Tarlowe, Wildlife Education Specialist, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife; via email.

[60] Chris Colclasure, Assistant Deputy Director, Arkansas Game and Fish Comission, Little Rock, Arkansas; via email.

[61] Lt. Heidi Murphy, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department; via email.

[62] Jake Kreamer, Game Warden, Nevada Department of Wildlife; via email. And: Edward Pratt, Press Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries; via email.

[63] Lt. Peter J. Blake, California Wildlife, Supervisor Shasta and Tehama Counties; via email.