This page is a repository for information that I have collected in relation to the legality of using Airsoft weapons for hunting. Each of the fifty (50) U.S. States has an entry. Entries vary in terms of detail.

Note: I have written a separate post that is intended to serve as an introduction to the question of whether Airsoft guns are legal to use for hunting. You can find that piece, HERE.

Readers may also find it helpful to read two companion articles:

“Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense”

And

“Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Disclaimer: Nothing on this website should be construed as providing readers with legal advice – let alone personal recommendations. I have tried to research relevant Airsoft-related hunting legalities for the various U.S. States (as well as certain major cities) in order to provide readers with general information. Although I have made a good-faith effort to ensure that my information is accurate and up to date, I make no claims about its completeness or correctness. I do not condone the use of Airsoft guns as hunting weapons. If you decide to go “hunting” with your Airsoft gun, basically, you’re on your own! I assume no liability for your actions, behaviors, decisions, or whatever you choose to do. It’s up to you to find out for sure about the laws in your area (country, states/province, city/county, municipality/township, etc.) – including the rules of your apartment complex, home-owners association, housing unit, subdivision, etc. Ask your mom, dad, or guardian (if you’re a minor). Consult with conservation officers, game wardens, police officers, etc. Happy Airsofting!

Alabama

Airsoft appears to be legal to hunt with in Alabama. Several contacts in Alabama suggest that there is no legal impediment to “hunting” with an Airsoft gun in this state.[1] But this is probably not recommended, and needs some qualification.

One person writes: “It is legal to hunt with an airsoft gun, rifle or pistol, due to the way the law is written. However, I would advise against it. It may be possible to kill a squirrel or other small game with an airsoft rifle, but it would more likely injure or just cause pain to the animal. …[Airsoft guns] are designed with a low muzzle-energy rating. That usually prohibits the soft projectile from an airsoft gun from breaking the skin.”[2]

Another seconds this and says: “Airsoft is legal for certain species. …Game animals that could be hunted with air powered rifles …include Squirrels, Rabbit, Nutria, Bull and Pig Frog, Crows, Starlings, pigeons. …Thing[s] like Deer, Turkey, Migratory Birds, Bobcat, Groundhog, Coyote, Fox, Hogs, Raccoon and Opossum at night would be Illegal to use Airsoft.”[3]

A third reports: “It is legal to take an Airsoft gun hunting, however you can only use it for certain game animals. …[G]ame animals have different weapons that are legal to use for hunting.”[4]

Several correspondents cited Alabama’s Regulation 220-2-.02 (7), covering “Legal Arms & Ammunition For Hunting.” In the subsection “Other Game Birds and Animals” we read that “Rifles using rimfire Ammunition and those operated by air are legal.”[5] Additionally, “Bullfrog & Pig Frog [may be hunted with] Air-powered rifles .25 caliber or smaller.” Furthermore, deer may be taken using “Air-powered guns, .30 caliber or larger.”

“As defined in state hunting regulation 220-2-.02 (7) an Airsoft gun would be lawful to hunt certain game birds and animals with but not likely to take the animal.”[6]

On the basis of this, some authorities have concluded: “…By regulation a properly licensed hunter ‘could’ lawfully hunt certain species of game (squirrel, rabbit etc.) [with an Airsoft gun] in the state of Alabama. As manufactured[,] Airsoft guns have a very low chance of causing injury and would be very unlikely to have the proper power to humanely kill an animal.”[7]

My suspicion is that these regulations really have in mind more traditional metal-BB-type air guns, as opposed to plastic-pellet-shooting Airsoft guns per se. However, the takeaway may simply be that Alabama’s laws do not clearly differentiate between types of “air guns.”

For more information on the types of air guns and rifles, see my dedicated article, HERE [WIP – forthcoming].

For now, I would use caution before attempting to “hunt” with an Airsoft gun. As Officer Bobo notes: “…most airsoft guns are not viable Hunting firearms, as they do not have the velocities and projectile weights to make ethical kills on game.”[8]

For a longer treatment of the differences between Airsoft guns and their more powerful bigger brothers, steel-BB air guns, see HERE.

Alabama Department of Natural Resources
64 N. Union Street
Suite 468
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-3486
Email; Email.
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Alaska

It appears that Airsoft guns are not legal hunting weapons in Alaska.

One representative from Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game answered by appealing to general principles based on his research online. For example, he noted that an Airsoft owner’s manual warned users not to “…aim or fire any airsoft gun at …[an] animal”[9] and concluded: “It would appear that airsoft guns are not intended for hunting animals. …

“The only regulation[s] on airgun hunting we can find …[are] for small-game hunting …in the Eagle River small-game Area 2 and Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge Area 7. Both say [that an] ‘Air rifle with rifled barrel’ is required. …[I]t is my understanding that airsoft guns have smoothbore and not rifled barrels.”[10]

That said, another representative stated: “An Airsoft gun could count as a hunting weapon if it is being used for hunting. If you were using a high-power airsoft with hardened pellets, it may be possible to kill small game. It is legal to use them on small game (Rabbits, squirrels, etc.) but not legal for big game. While it is legal to use an airsoft gun, and it may be able to kill a small animal, we recommend using a real firearm such as a 22 lr or shotgun to insure a quick and ethical kill.”[11]

On the face of it, this seems to contradict the previous correspondent. However, the phrase “high-power airsoft with hardened pellets” suggests that the representative has in mind, not Airsoft guns per se, but more powerful air rifles that shoot metal BBs. For the differences, see HERE.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
P.O. Box 115525
Juneau, AK 99811-5525
(907) 465-2376
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Arizona

Technically, Airsoft guns seem to be legal hunting weapons; but they are neither effective nor recommended for that purpose.

From the perspective of law enforcement: “Airsoft by definition would be legal to hunt with because it is a pneumatic weapon, depending on the type of game you would be hunting, but it would be limited [as] to the type of hunting [e.g., small game] as some larger game require .35 caliber or larger projectile. …

“In regards to ‘Airsoft’ and Pneumatic weapons, there truly is a difference between the two. Airsoft is intended to be a low-pressure pneumatic toy that can fire plastic or ceramic 6mm or 8mm pellets or balls vs Pneumatic weapons which can be pre-charged or pump action weapon that can fire either at low pressure or high pressure .177 caliber to .35 caliber round bb’s or lead pellets. Some of these pneumatic weapons can have a velocity of up to 1300+ feet per second. …

“Airsoft does fit under the criteria of pneumatic weapons but due to it being a low-velocity pneumatic weapon and for most hunting using pneumatic weapons requires the weapon to be pre-charged and have a higher velocity and fire a .35 or larger caliber projectile.”[12]

One biologist expressed his point of view, somewhat cryptically, as follows. “In a nutshell, an air soft rifle or pistol is not considered a hunting firearm. It doesn’t produce enough energy to kill or wound even the smallest of game. As such, it really wouldn’t be legal to use for a hunt because the end result would simply be hazing or harassing wildlife instead of hunting. …It would be legal to use as a pneumatic, but it has no lethality.”[13]

Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
(602) 942-3000
Email
Website

Phoenix

It is worth observing: “Hunting is not allowed in City of Phoenix parks and preserves.”[14]

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Arkansas

The status of Airsoft guns as hunting weapons appears to be a bit unclear in Arkansas.

According to one contact: “Technically, airsoft guns are not prohibited by regulation for hunting small game such as squirrels or rabbits.”[15] But he adds: “Air soft guns are not made to be a lethal weapon and therefore may not be an appropriate weapon for hunting.”[16]

Another says that Arkansas has not settled the status of Airsoft guns as hunting weapons.[17]

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
(800) 364-4263
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

California

“In very simple terms it is NOT legal to hunt with an air soft rifle. In more specific legal terms this regulation can be found in the CA Code of Regulations (CCR) T-14 section 311:  Methods Authorized for taking resident Small game.  If it is not listed specifically, which air soft guns are not, then it would not be legal.”[18]

Readers should keep in mind that there is often a distinction drawn between an “air gun” and an “Airsoft gun.” “Airsoft are not legal to hunt with in the state of California. Air rifles are legal to hunt certain small game and game birds in California. The caliber of the air rifles are specific for the use when hunting, pellets that are .177 caliber or greater are authorized. Pellets are made of lead or non-toxic metal.  Air soft BBs air made of plastic or in some cases a bio degradable material and a commonly 6 mm. 6MM is not an authorized caliber.”[19]

California Natural Resources Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Hunter Education Program)
P.O. Box 980215, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9939
(916) 653-1235
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Colorado

I had difficulty obtaining a straight yes-or-no answer from correspondents in Colorado.

One stated: “Airsoft guns are not a legal method of take for any big game species. They are, however, legal methods of take for small game species excluding migratory birds. If they are used on furbearer species[,] they MUST be pre-charge pneumatic air gun[s] .25 caliber or larger for coyote and/or bobcat.

“…[The Colorado Department of Natural Resources,] as an agency[,] define[s] a legal air gun as the following: AIR GUN: any rifle or handgun .177 caliber or larger firing pellets, slugs or roundball ammunition powered by high-pressure air or compressed inert gas. [This i]ncludes: pellet guns and pneumatic weapons. PRE-CHARGE PNEUMATIC AIR GUN DEFINITION: air gun that is charged from an external high-compression source such as an air compressor, air tank or external hand pump.”[20]

Based upon these comments, however, I would venture to say that Airsoft guns per se are not legal since Airsoft is quite different from the pre-charged pneumatic air guns mentioned and since it’s not clear that a standard Airsoft gun shoots the correct kinds of “pellets, slugs or roundball ammunition.”[21]

Another authority seemed to say it best when he said that “airsoft guns, both handguns and rifles, are not designed for the purpose of hunting.”[22]

However, even he stopped short of declaring Airsoft guns outright “illegal” for hunting purposes, and would only say: “For the reasons listed above airsoft guns would not be an ethical method of take for any species in Colorado.”[23]

Still, all things considered, I think it’s best to treat Colorado as a state in which you should not use Airsoft for hunting.

Part of the reason for this is just the general construction and design of Airsoft guns, which serves their purposes as war-game devices. For a fuller treatment of this, see HERE.

Colorado Department of Natural Resources
(Executive Director’s Office)
1313 Sherman Street, Room 718
Denver, CO 80203
(800) 536-5308
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Connecticut

In Connecticut: “Airsoft is not a legal hunting implement. …Airsoft is a toy to be used with adult supervision and not a hunting implement therefore it is not regulated.

“The State of Connecticut allows for the use of High-Velocity Air Guns under the firearms hunting regulations. High-Velocity Air Guns are restricted to those that use a single ball or pellet-like projectile and are additionally subject to the same restrictions on their use as those for rifles and handguns. The difference between Airsoft and High-Velocity Air Guns is …the speed of the projectile. Airsoft is generally considered a low-velocity air gun, under 400 fps, while a High-Velocity Air Gun can be well over 1,000 fps. …[24]

“[There is also a] difference in the projectiles themselves. The plastic [Airsoft] projectile is very light weight and therefore its mass is less than a lead or copper solid projectile. The combination of mass and velocity really differentiate the kinetic energy between Airsoft and a High-Velocity Air Gun. …

“Finally[,] I don’t know of a law specific to Airsoft but they would be prohibited in all State Parks and State Forests by regulation as hunting or carrying of firearms, archery equipment or other weapons, including but not limited to air rifles and slingshots, is not permitted in any state park or forest except as authorized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. All carrying or use of weapons is subject to applicable provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes and regulations adopted thereunder.”[25]

See further “[d]etails …in …[Connecticut’s] Hunting & Trapping Guide”, HERE.[26]

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT  06106-5127
(860) 424-3000
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Delaware

In Delaware, “…Airsoft guns are not legal for hunting.”[27]

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Richardson and Robbins Bldg.
89 Kings Hwy SW
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739.9000
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Florida

The situation is Florida is somewhat confusing. To begin: In Florida, certain airguns can, in fact, be used for hunting.

“Air guns may be used to take deer, turkey, gray squirrel and rabbit. Only pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns firing single bullets or bolts/arrows of at least .30-caliber and at least .20-caliber may be used to take deer and turkey, respectively. PCP air guns are commercially-manufactured air guns that are charged from an external high compression source, such as an air compressor, air tank or external hand pump and are specifically designed to propel a bolt, arrow or other projectile commonly used for hunting.”[28]

However, under a subsection titled “Prohibited methods and equipment for taking game mammals and resident game birds,” we read the following. “Air guns except when taking deer, turkey, gray squirrel and rabbit[.] Air guns that are not pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns when taking deer or turkey[.] PCP air guns firing single bullets that are less than .30-caliber and less than .20-caliber when taking deer and turkey, respectively.”[29]

So, Airsoft guns are not sufficiently powerful to be used for hunting. Therefore, is it reasonable to assume that it is not legal to use an Airsoft gun for hunting purposes in Florida.

According to Tony Young, the Media Relations Coordinator or Florida’s Division of Hunting and Game Management[30] writes the somewhat perplexing sentence: “Any gun used for hunting could technically be considered a hunting gun.”[31] He goes on to clarify: “However, for hunting, it is recommended to use a method of take [sic] that has the capability of ethically and adequately harvesting the animal. So, an Airsoft gun would not be considered a hunting gun. …By regulations, it might be lawful to use one for hunting gray squirrels, rabbits and non-game species (i.e.: raccoons, armadillos, opossums, rats, pigeons), but again, it [i.e., an Airsoft gun] would not be an ethical (humane) method of taking wildlife, so one should not be used.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-4676
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Georgia

“Georgia law does allow air guns to be used for hunting small game and furbearers. Airsoft guns are considered air guns. … It is legal but all hunting laws and regulations must be followed including having the proper licenses, hunting only during the proper season, and not taking more game than is allowed.”[32]

“Some …[Airsoft guns] do count as a hunting gun[s]. It depends on what kind of hunting you’re doing. An airsoft gun made to only shoot non-metallic projectiles is not meant to be used for hunting. …Yes, you can use them to hunt small game, such as rabbits and squirrels, and unprotected species such as hogs and coyotes. But, air rifles are not currently legal to use for hunting big game such as turkeys, deer and bears here in Georgia.

“[Therefore: The main thing to know about airsoft guns, and all air guns, is that whether or not it is legal to use them in Georgia depends on which gun you are using and what animal you plan to hunt. People should check the Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide …before they go out hunting and if they’re not sure after reading the guide, they can always call …[the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, GADNR] and ask!”[33]

See Georgia’s hunting regulations, HERE.

Keep in mind, however, that even though Airsoft guns may technically be legal to “hunt” with, they are probably going to be ineffective (and, many would say, unethical). For a more general discussion of the shortcomings of Airsoft guns from the standpoints of hunting and self-defense, see HERE.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE
Suite 1252
Atlanta, GA 30334
(770) 761-3010 (Hunter Education)
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Hawaii

Airsoft guns are illegal to use as hunting weapons in Hawaii.

“[P]ursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123 of Hawaii Administrative Rules on game mammal hunting, airsoft guns are not legal hunting weapons in Hawaii: ‘No person shall possess or use tracer bullets, bullets with full metal jackets, blow guns, guns powered by compressed gas, animal traps, slingshots, poison, explosives, or snares in any public hunting area.’ …

“Generally speaking, there are several factors that determine whether a particular hunting weapon is legal in Hawaii. For example, with bow and arrows, the bow must meet a minimum draw weight (i.e. the weight in pounds required to draw the string a certain distance), and the arrow must have a broadhead (i.e. razor tip) with a minimum cutting diameter. Similarly, firearms and ammunition must meet specific criteria: depending on the game pursued and hunting method, or how a particular game species is hunted, rifles, shotguns, and handguns may have minimum barrel length requirements; ammunition must be of a certain caliber (i.e. diameter of bullet); and ammunition must meet certain energy (measured in foot pounds) requirements.

“All that to say, aside from the fact that ‘guns powered by compressed gas’ are explicitly prohibited, airsoft guns would generally not meet other criteria, including caliber and energy requirements specified in the Hawaii Administrative Rules.”

“Nevertheless, one of the things that we emphasize in our Hunter Education class is hunting ethics and responsibility. Part of this is hunters’ responsibility to kill an animal humanely. While an airsoft gun, under the right circumstances, may be able to kill a small game animal, the potential for that animal to be non-fatally wounded is much higher since an airsoft gun and bb lack sufficient energy. For example, a .223rem bullet (commonly shot in AR-15 type platform assault rifles) barely meets the energy and caliber requirements in the Hawaii Administrative Rules: depending on the weight of the bullet and velocity at which it is traveling, some .223rem rounds generate less than 1,200 foot pounds of energy, which is the minimum required for rifles when hunting big game animals in Hawaii.  Realistically, an airsoft gun could not be used humanely.

“…If you’re interested in learning more about hunting, conservation, safety, and laws in Hawaii, I would highly recommend that you and your family take a Hunter Education class. Our classes are free and offered monthly across the state. Visit our website for class dates and locations[.]”[34]

Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kalanimoku Bldg.
1151 Punchbowl St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0400
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Idaho

“Airsoft guns are not legal to hunt with in Idaho. They do not have enough power or projectile mass to humanely and cleanly kill most types of animals. …New limited airgun hunting rules will be kicking in later this year but do not include Airsoft guns – again[,] not enough velocity or mass of projectile.”[35]

Idaho Fish and Game
600 S Walnut St.
Boise, ID 83712
(208) 334-3700
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Illinois

The clearest statement on the matter that I received said this: “…Airsoft guns are not legal hunting devices in the State of Illinois. …[A]n ‘airsoft’ gun is not defined as a hunting device in Illinois.

“Hunting devices include, but are not limited to, firearms, bow and arrow devices, and ‘airguns.’ An airgun and airsoft gun are, by definition, much different. An airgun fires solid metal projectiles in the .177-.22 caliber range, whereas an airsoft gun fires non-metallic ‘BBs’ weighing .20-.30 grams. …[I] is NOT legal to take an airsoft gun hunting.”[36]

“Airsoft guns would need to have a velocity of 700 feet per second to …[be classified as air] gun[s]. For hunting you want a gun that will kill the animal, so there is little or no suffering.  An Airsoft gun might be able to kill an animal if shot a close range but does not qualify [as a hunting weapon under state law].”[37]

“Since Airsoft guns are not designed for hunting, it would be viewed as harassment of and/or animal cruelty and you could be issued a citation / ticket for that action.”[38]

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
2660 E 2350th Rd.
Marseilles, IL 61341
(815) 795-2448; (217) 782-6302
Email link; Email addresses (1)(2)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Indiana

One correspondent[39] stated that using an Airsoft gun to hunt in Indiana may, strictly speaking, be legal, but it wouldn’t be ethical[40] – because the gun would be far more likely to injure the animal than kill it.

Indiana Code “covers …hunting[. Specifically,] IC 14-22 protects all animals in the state of Indiana[.] [This would include such things as] …shoot[ing,] harass[ing], or attempt[ing] to engage in such conduct…” The technical term is “take. …The definition of hunting is [therefore] covered in the statue ‘Take’.”[41]

See the footnote for details. But the upshot (no pun intended) is that “yes[, an Airsoft gun] …could be counted as a hunting gun.”[42]

However: “Since shooting an animal with an airsoft gun may injure it and not provide for a quick clean harvest of that animal that would be contrary to all aspects of hunter ethics. [Thus,] I would have to answer …[that] yes[,] it would be legal, but not ethical because you do not want to just go out to injure an animal by shooting it. (Remember the definition of ‘take’ includes harass[ment]).

“One last aspect …is that under the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Property Regulations: Airsoft guns on all DNR property fall into the category [of] firearms.”[43]

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(877) 463-6367
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Iowa

Technically, Airsoft guns may be legal to hunt with in Iowa.

“It is illegal to use any air guns for deer, turkey or waterfowl in Iowa. …An air rifle can legally be used to hunt small game in Iowa.”

However, the respondent wishes readers to bear in mind that “[m]ost airsoft guns would not be powerful enough to ethically kill a game animal.”[44]

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-8200
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Kansas

“Airsoft guns in [Kansas] KS are not legal to hunt with – they are not powerful enough to ethically and humanely harvest an animal.”[45]

Another correspondent noted: “Some of the Airsoft rules I have read say not to shoot at animals with them.”[46]

“There are several airsoft associations on the web that can be useful to you. Just google it and pick the one you like best.  Airsoft guns are getting more and more popular so there is a lot of information about them.”[47]

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
512 SE 25th Ave.
Pratt, KS 67124
(620) 672-5911
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Kentucky

Airsoft is not legal to hunt with in Kentucky.

“To qualify as a legal method of take for hunting an air rifle must fire a metal pellet. Therefore, a short answer to your questions is no, an airsoft rifle is not permissible to hunt with, nor will it have the power to dispatch an animal. For your convenience I have listed the below excerpt from our hunting regulations concerning hunting small game with an air rifle:

“‘LEGAL SMALL GAME HUNTING EQUIPMENT and METHODS: Hunters may only use the following to take small game during the fall and winter seasons: Pellets fired from .177, .20, .22 or .25 caliber air guns.’”[48]

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
1 Sportsman’s Ln.
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 858-1549
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Louisiana

Generally, “…Airsoft would not be a legal method to hunt with in Louisiana.”[49]

However, certain “[a]ir guns” may be used “to hunt small game[;] but it is illegal to use [them] when hunting big game ([e.g.] Deer).”[50]

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 765-2800
Email addresses
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Maine

Airsoft guns may be legal to hunt with in Maine; but they aren’t recommended.

“In Maine, ‘air rifles’ are allowed only on small game. By the sounds of the [Wikipedia] definition [on ‘Airsoft’] …, an airsoft rifle would – technically would NOT be prohibited from using for hunting small game. …[T]here is nothing in Maine State Law directly prohibiting the use of an airsoft gun for hunting small game.  It would not be legal to use for large game animals.”[51]

Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State St.
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 287-8000
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Maryland

“[Y]ou cannot use an Airsoft gun to hunt in Maryland.”[52] Therefore, it is somewhere between ill-advisable and impermissible to carry one with you while on a hunting expedition.

“Airsoft guns do not count as hunting guns in the state of Maryland. While certain air guns can be used to hunt certain species, Airsoft guns do not meet the specified requirements.  Even for small game (rabbits, squirrels, etc.) an air gun must shoot bullets, arrows, or bolts to be legal for hunting purposes. …[Therefore,] it would not be legal to take an Airsoft gun hunting for the previously mentioned reasons.”[53]

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave.
Tawes State Office Bldg.
Annapolis, MD 21401
(877) 620-8367; (410) 260-8367
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Massachusetts

Airsoft guns are not legal for hunting in Massachusetts.

An “…Air Soft …rifle by design fires a resin projectile which would not have the same penetration as a lead or alloy pellet. The ability for a resin projectile to quickly as humanely possible kill a bird or mammal is what I question. Accompanying that fact is the overall speed (velocity) of the projectile and subsequent penetration to cause an instant kill is not sufficient. These facts would prohibit an Air Soft rifle or pistol to be used for hunting.”[54]

“With that in mind, it is quite clear that Airsofts are NOT suitable or appropriate for use in hunting. They were not designed for that purpose. …Hunting any game species is a tremendous responsibility. In the state hunter education courses, hunters taught they are responsible to the game they are hunting.  An important responsibility is that they must make as swift and quick a kill as possible – to reduce pain and suffering.”[55]

“If your desire is to hunt [in the state of Massachusetts,] then I would direct you to the following steps: 1. Attend a free Hunter Education Class through Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. 2. Obtain a Massachusetts Hunting License when you’ve reached the minimal age (15) and after receiving mandatory Hunter Education and with required parental / guardian approval and participation. 3. Under adult supervision, practice and hunt with a rifle, shotgun, bow and associated ammunition that is specifically designed for hunting game. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 131 and 321 Code of Massachusetts Regulation covers the seasons and hunting methods for various game. It is important to review this law and regulation prior to hunting.”[56]

Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway St.
Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1500

Email addresses
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Michigan

Airsoft guns are not legal to hunt with in Michigan. “[A]n airsoft gun would not meet the caliber requirements to legally take game.”[57]

One correspondent cited Michigan Compiled Law (MCL). “Under the State of Michigan’s definition of a ‘Firearm,’ airsoft guns do not meet the definition as read in MCL – 123.1101. Airsoft does meet the definition of ‘Pneumatic gun.’ Now here is where it gets a bit confusing.  Under hunting law MCL – 324.40102 it further defines what would be considered a ‘Firearm’ for hunting. It specifically states a Firearm does not include a smooth bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber by means of a spring, air, or gas.  Finally, we look at Wildlife Conservation Order 2.1(1) which covers prohibited methods for hunting. It states a person shall not use a mechanical device and again states a mechanical device shall not be construed to mean a firearm. So, unless your Airsoft Pellets are bigger than .177 caliber it is not considered a firearm and is a mechanical device which would not be allowed for hunting.”[58]

Another person echoed this, writing: “[U]nder Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 123.1101, air soft guns would not fit the definition of a firearm.  This is mainly because they don’t expel a projectile by an ‘explosive,’ but instead by air. This puts them under the category of a pneumatic gun, not a firearm. This would be the case for certain crimes that could take place that aren’t associated with hunting.”[59]

The reason that the previous individual called the situation “confusing” is because of the following. “…Michigan hunting laws have to provide a slightly different definition of firearm as it applies to hunting. …Certain pneumatic guns under this definition (MCL 324.40102) would qualify as a firearm, but only for hunting purposes. This is because our hunting laws have to make a distinction between what devices can be used for hunting in ‘firearm seasons’ and what can be used in ‘archery seasons.’ This is where the BB size comes into play. …[S]ome air soft guns do have BB’s that are higher caliber than the .177. That would make them loosely meet our definition of firearm in the DNR (mainly because they aren’t archery equipment).”[60]

So, the question becomes: Do Airsoft guns qualify as “pneumatic guns”? It might be a good idea to think about the likelihood that an Airsoft gun could actually dispatch even a small animal or bird. A previously cited officer ventured his opinion that “[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. …”[61] (For a longer article on the question of the potential lethality of Airsoft guns, see HERE.)

On this basis, even if Airsoft guns would technically count as “pneumatic guns,” they are probably best left at home during hunting expeditions because they wouldn’t reliably kill animals due to their low muzzle energy and lightweight projectiles. For more on these matters, see my comparison of Airsoft guns with other, more powerful, air guns, HERE.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 284-6367
Email addresses (1)(2)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Minnesota

The situation is somewhat nuanced in Minnesota. The long and short seems to be that Airsoft guns may not be used to hunt “protected” animals, but that “unprotected” animals “may be taken in any manner”[62] – presumably, including with Airsoft weaponry.

Here’s the deal. “[A]irsoft guns [–] either handgun or rifle [–] do not qualify as …hunting weapon[s] except for some unprotected animals.[63] [For example:] Animals such as rabbit and squirrel cannot be hunted with an airsoft gun.”[64]

For more, read Minnesota’s hunting regulations HERE.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul , MN 55155
(651) 296-6157; (888) 646-6367
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Mississippi

Airsoft guns are not permissible to use for hunting purposes in Mississippi.

“An Airsoft gun is not considered a hunting gun. Legal ‘Firearms’ that are considered hunting guns and legal for hunting can be found in our Mississippi Outdoor Digest 2018/2019 on page 18.[65] The Mississippi Outdoor Digest is free and can usually be found in Walmart at the sporting goods section or any outdoor retailer that sales hunting and fishing license.

“It would not be illegal to take an airsoft gun when hunting due that it is not considered a firearm. It would have no real use for hunting game. I would not recommend taking it on a hunting trip.”[66]

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
1505 Eastover Dr.
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 432-2400
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Missouri

Airsoft guns may not be used to hunt in Missouri.[67]

One contact says: “According to the code book on pages 87 and 88 …you can only use a firearm to take wildlife[;] and according to the ATF …an Airsoft gun is not a firearm .  Therefore[,] you cannot use an airsoft gun to hunt any wildlife with in the state of MO. …[68]

There does appear to be at least one reference to “air-powered guns” in Missouri’s Code of State Regulations, specifically in its Rules of Department of Conservation, 3 CSR 10-7 (Title 3, Division 10, Chapter 7). “(5) Deer Hunting Methods. …(C) Any legal method: archery and muzzleloader methods; atlatl; shotguns; handguns or rifles firing expanding-type centerfire ammunition; and air-powered guns, .40 caliber or larger, charged only from an external high compression power source (external hand pump, air tank, or air compressor).”[69]

“It is not illegal to take it [with you] while you are hunting, HOWEVER it is ILLEGAL to attempt to take any wildlife with it.  So[,] it would be better to leave it at home, just so no questions are asked if someone was to get stopped and questioned by a Protection Agent.”[70]

For more regarding Missouri, see “the Missouri Department of Conservation website …[which] answer[s some] …questions about which air guns are legal for hunting: 2018 Fall Deer and Turkey Regulations Information book; see page 27, 28 and 30 for allowable deer hunting methods during different firearms portions of the season. Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations; see page 12 for legal firearms methods. If you need any additional information on …air gun[s and hunting], please contact the conservation agent in your county. You can use this link to locate your agent’s name and phone number.”[71]

Missouri Department of Conservation
2901 W Truman Blvd
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-4115
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Montana

Airsoft guns are illegal to use for hunting in Montana (MT).

“Montana law does not define a ‘hunting gun.’ But MT Fish Wildlife and Park (FWP), restricts the lawful methods of hunting game animals to; Firearms, including rifles, handguns, shotguns, slugs, muzzleloaders, archery equipment and crossbows. An airsoft gun would not qualify as a legal method for hunting a regulated game species. …It would be legal to have an airsoft gun with you while you hunted, but illegal to use it to hunt.”[72]

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 E. 6^th Ave.
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
(406) 444-2535; (406) 228-3700
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Nebraska

According to two conservation officers, Airsoft guns would technically be legal in Nebraska to hunt small game.

He writes: “Yes, [they are legal;] however they could only be used to hunt small game animals (rabbits and squirrels).”[73]

He bases this on the following: “[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.”

Another respondent writes: “They [Airsoft guns] are not considered a firearm. You must have a combustion of gun powder to be considered a firearm. They are considered a low-grade air gun (whether rifle or pistol). I would not classify them as a hunting weapon.”[74]

He concludes by venturing the following opinion. “Legally, we do not list any such method of take for small game animals such as rabbits or squirrels, so yes it would be legal. Not practical, but legal.”

For a more in-depth discussion of the ability of an Airsoft gun to kill an animal, see HERE. For my general comments on the effectiveness of Airsoft guns for hunting or self-defense, click HERE.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd St.
Lincoln, NE 68503
(402) 471-0641
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Nevada

The opinion from law enforcement in Nevada is that: “Airsoft would be a LEGAL method of hunting small game species and unprotected species only. Airsoft would be UNLAWFUL for hunting any game bird (including migratory birds like ducks and geese) or big game animal.”[75]

This opinion was reiterated by a second respondent, who wrote: “By Nevada law, Airsoft guns would not qualify as a legal hunting gun for game animals such as game birds, cottontail rabbits, or big game. However, there are no restrictions on firearms for unprotected wildlife. Unprotected wildlife includes coyotes and jackrabbits, so technically a person could legally hunt jackrabbits with an Airsoft gun. …[M]ost small birds are protected under state law and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The primary exception to this is European Starlings, as they are classified as unprotected wildlife, and therefore, legal to kill with an Airsoft gun. …

“You could possess an Airsoft gun while going on a hunt, but as mentioned …[above], it would only be legal to actually use it to hunt unprotected wildlife (jackrabbits, coyotes, and starlings), but not game animals.”[76]

Whether Airsoft guns count as a hunting guns “…depends upon the classification of the game you are after. As stated above, it would be Unlawful to hunt with Airsoft of any kind if you a pursuing either a Big Game animal or any Game Bird species. Using Airsoft as a method of hunting would be LEGAL for small game animals as well as any unprotected species within the State of Nevada. …

“According to NRS 503.150[, i]t is lawful to hunt small game animals with airsoft weapons. (Airsoft is not directly specified in NRS, but methods of hunting small game [do] not exclude the use of BB guns nor synthetic projectiles, which then would make it legal to use). Under the same NRS, hunting game birds and big game animals would be unlawful to use airsoft as a method of hunt.”[77]

1. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS)

• 150: Manner of hunting game birds or mammals.

2. Nevada Administrative Code (NAC)

• 020: ‘Big-game mammal’ (defined).[78]
• 020: Game mammals.
• 035: Unprotected mammals.
• 055: Unprotected birds.
• 045: Game birds: Upland and migratory.
• 142: Hunting big-game mammal with firearm.

Nevada Department of Wildlife
6980 Sierra Center Pkwy.
Suite 120
Reno, NV 89511
(775) 688-1500; (775) 688-1506
Email; Email addresses
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

New Hampshire

Airsoft guns appear to be illegal for hunting in New Hampshire because they do not produce enough kinetic energy to meet the state’s minimum standards for legal hunting.

“Just this past year, in August of 2018, a law passed that allows the use of air rifles to be used to harvest/kill small game in the state of NH. The air rifle is defined as: ‘A gun operated by compressed air or nonflammable gas cylinder by which a projectile of any size or kind can be discharged or propelled. For use in taking small game, such device shall be not less than .22 caliber and shall deliver not less than 12 foot-pounds of kinetic energy at the muzzle.’ …

“Airsoft guns are not considered to be firearms as they do not use explosives to expel a bullet, they use compressed air.”[79] Title 18 of the state’s Revised Statutes – Annotated (RSA) deals with “Fish and Game.” According to Chapter 207 Section 1 Paragraph (V)(a.), “firearm” is defined as follows. “Firearm: Any weapon, including a starter gun, which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.”[80]

(For a longer discussion of whether Airsoft guns generally “count” as firearms, see HERE.)

“At this time, you may not use an air rifle to kill a big game animal or what is defined as a fur-bearing animal (coyote, fisher etc.). The mere possession of an air rifle in the woods is not in and of itself a violation of the law.”[81]

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
11 Hazen Dr.
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3421
Email addresses
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

New Jersey

In New Jersey, Airsoft “guns are not legal for hunting. The types of legal hunting firearms and ammunition are found in the Hunting Digest.”[82]

In that document, we read: “‘Air gun’ means any shoulder-mounted firearm which by the force of a spring, air, or other non-ignited compressed gas expels a missile or projectile and has a rifled or smooth barrel, using ammunition no smaller than .177 caliber and no larger than .22 caliber producing projectile velocities of not less than 600 feet per second measured at the muzzle. Pursuant to Title 2C:39-1f., air guns are classified as a firearm. Air gun BBs are not legal for hunting. Air guns are now legal for taking cottontail rabbit, hare and gray squirrel. A Rifle Permit is not required. Modern air guns have sufficient power to take small game plus are quieter and lighter than some shotguns, making them an ideal tool for smaller-framed hunters. Air guns hunting information [sic] is now part of the basic shotgun hunter education course.” (New Jersey Hunting & Trapping Digest, August 2018, p. 27.)

Three points about this paragraph.

1. The references to .177- and .22-caliber guns strongly implies that the passage is geared toward the use of more powerful air rifles than Airsoft. (See also Division of Fish and Wildlife Rules, 7:25-5.1(d)1.)
2. This is reinforced with the direct statement that the approved muzzle velocity has to be at least 600 fps. Most Airsoft guns will be in the range of 250 to 450 fps. (Ibid.) For more on how Airsoft guns differ from their more powerful air-rifle cousins, see: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense”.
3. Finally, we read that “Air gun BBs are not legal for hunting.” This appears to have been extracted from New Jersey’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Rules, specifically 7:25-5.23(a), which reads, in part: “Air guns may use wadcutter, domed or pointed, or hollow point pellets; spherical BBs are not permitted.”

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-2965
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

New Mexico

“Airsoft guns (rifles or handguns) do not quality as a hunting firearms. …An airsoft gun is not a legal gun to take a protected animal so it would not be legal to hunt with. Most species are protected by law and I would not recommend shooting any animals with an airsoft gun.”[83]

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
1 Wildlife Way
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 476-8000; (888) 248-6866
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

New York

Although Airsoft guns per se are not allowable hunting weapons, more powerful air guns are permissible.

“Air guns can be used in hunting… However, there are specific regulations that determine what type of air gun may be used. The definition of an air gun used for hunting in NY can be found on our DEC website [HERE.]

“‘Air gun – A firearm that uses spring or compressed air (not gunpowder) to propel a single projectile that is .17 caliber or larger and produces a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second. Smooth or rifled bore air guns are allowed.’[84]

“As you can see from the definition above, an air gun used for hunting is more powerful than the typical air gun used in airsoft sports. In NY state, air guns may be used to hunt squirrels, rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, and furbearers that may be hunted (e.g., raccoons and coyotes) and unprotected species. Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game.”[85]

For more on the differences between Airsoft guns and more powerful BB-type air guns – and how those difference affect hunting and self-defense applications – see HERE.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway St.
Albany, New York 12233
(518) 402-8044
Email (1)(2)(3)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

North Carolina

In North Carolina, air guns of sufficient power seem to be allowed; but Airsoft guns don’t really make the cut.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission “NCWRC does allow the use of air guns to take game animals during the open gun season. …I would not advise someone to use the air soft gun for hunting due to the low muzzle energy which results in less penetrative and stopping power.”[86]

To read a more in-depth discussion of the differences between metal-BB-shooting air guns and their less-powerful little cousins, Airsoft guns, click HERE.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1701 Mail Service Ctr.
Raleigh, NC 27699-1701
(919) 707-0010; (919) 707-0031 (Hunter Education)
Email (1)(2)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

North Dakota

“Airsoft guns are not considered a legal hunting gun (weapon) in [North Dakota] ND. … Airsoft guns are not legal for hunting game in ND.”[87]

North Dakota Game and Fish Department
100 E Bismarck Expy.
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 328-6300; (701) 328-6300
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Ohio

Technically, Airsoft guns seem to be legal to hunt with. But they would not be considered effective or recommended.

“By Ohio law, only true firearms, archery equipment (crossbows and longbows) and ‘air guns’ are legal to hunt with. Since ‘Airsoft’ guns have three different modes of firing including electric, spring and gas, only the gas models would even qualify by law. Airsoft guns that fire by CO2 gas would be considered an air gun, so by law they could be utilized to hunt a limited number of species such as rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, raccoon, skunk, opossum, pheasant, crow, grouse and coyote. …

“An airsoft gun that utilizes CO2 to fire the projectile would be legal to carry for the species listed above.  As a reminder, to hunt any wild animals in Ohio, you must have a hunting license and successfully pass a hunter education course.  In the category of anything else to say about airsoft guns, I would say that just because it is legal to carry or use, doesn’t mean it is a good idea or best practice to take game. …

“Most airsoft guns I have reviewed do not exceed a velocity of 480 ft/sec and they shoot a 0.20g plastic BB. …Because of the low velocity and light projectile, it is unlikely to penetrate the hide. …[T]hink of the number of people that …[w]hile it is not wise …shoot each other with airsoft guns and develop welts[;] but rarely does the pellet penetrate the skill.”[88]

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 265-6565
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Oklahoma

Airsoft guns are probably not legal to hunt with in Oklahoma. Though, there is somewhat conflicting information.

One correspondent noted: “Airsoft guns by their very design are limited to a non-lethal power to prevent accidents when shooting at each other much like a paintball gun.”[89]

However, the same correspondent then opined: “Yes[, it legal to take an Airsoft gun hunting]. The Legal Means of Taking for small game in Oklahoma are as follows[:] Shotgun (conventional or muzzle-loading), rifle (conventional or muzzle-loading), handgun, archery equipment, legal raptors, hand-propelled missile, air-propelled missile, and slingshot. The Air-Soft guns would qualify under air-propelled missile.”[90]

Still, he included a brief discussion of “terminal ballistics” in which he stated: “For a projectile to be lethal or to be able to kill[,] it must possess mass and energy. The mass is the weight of the bullet or pellet. Energy is the speed at which the bullet strikes the animal. We express the energy of a moving bullet in Foot Pounds of Energy. Finally, the bullet is constructed as to cause maximum damage in the tissue to cause a quick humane death of the animal. With that being said[,] an Airsoft pellet is not designed to inflict injury in a Terminal Ballistic sense.

“Let’s look at the energy and compare an Airsoft pellet to other projectiles. An airsoft pellet that weighs 15gr[ains]. and is moving 400 feet per second out of the gun has 2 Foot pounds of energy[;] a .177 air rifle pellet from an air rifle weighs 8 gr. and travels at 1080 feet per second and has 18-foot-pounds of energy[;] a twenty-two long rifle cartridge has a 40 gr. bullet traveling at 1100 feet per second and has 104 foot-pounds of energy.”[91]

The upshot seems to be that some “air rifles” that shoot metal BBs at higher muzzle velocities may be permissibly used as hunting weapons. But, Airsoft guns, with their plastic BBs and lower muzzle energies, would not be permissibly used – and, even if they were used, would be ineffective.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
P.O. Box 53465
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
(405) 521-3851
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Oregon

Airsoft guns are not legal for hunting in Oregon.

“An air rifle is not considered a firearm in Oregon and is therefore not considered a ‘hunting gun.’ Air rifles are not allowed for hunting big game or game birds in Oregon and are not covered in Oregon’s General Hunting Weapons Provisions. Big game hunting requires some type of high-powered firearm or archery equipment. Game bird hunting requires a shotgun.

“In general, we would discourage people from shooting air rifles at Oregon’s wildlife, especially the many ‘species of concern’ listed in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Also, it is against the law to harass any Oregon wildlife.”[92]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. S.E.
Salem, OR 97302
(503)947-6000
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Pennsylvania

“Airsoft are not lawful for hunting in Pennsylvania.”[93]

Airsoft guns and all BB-type guns are not legal to hunt with as they would not be sufficiently powerful …to make a quick kill [–] even on the smallest of wildlife. …So[,] no hunting with Airsoft guns.”[94]

“You can review lawful arms and ammunition for various game species in the current Hunting & Trapping Guide.”[95]

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
400 Market St.
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 787-2869
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Rhode Island

Airsoft guns are not legal for hunting in Rhode Island.

No[,] …[an Airsoft gun] is not a lawful weapon for hunting. …[I]t does not meet our legal minimum requirement of a firearm.”[96]

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St.
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-4700; (401) 539-0019 (Hunter Education)
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

South Carolina

Technically, Airsoft guns may be legal to hunt with in South Carolina (i.e., they are not explicitly forbidden), but they would not be recommended.

One law-enforcement agent wrote: “They would be legal to hunt with. …An ethical hunter wants to ensure game are taken with a clean kill. Hunters ethically should not want game to suffer unnecessarily. [Additionally:] Airsoft guns by definition are not a firearm.”[97]

This seems to be why one representative from the state’s Department of Natural Resources said: “…I don’t believe they [i.e., Airsoft guns] will count as a hunting gun. Typically, guns that do not function as lethal weapons have an orange barrel and seeing as airsoft guns have this feature[,] I don’t believe they would be counted as a functional firearm to [be] used in hunting. …

“[I]t would be legal to carry an airsoft gun into the woods[,] as it is not considered a hunting weapon.  Ethically, I would not shoot any animals with it as it will not kill them but it may have the capability to injure them. I would suggest finding a mentor to take you hunting in order to teach you the ropes and to show you how to hunt morally and ethically. …[There are] several programs available to youth to get them into the outdoors, one is the SCDNR’s Take One Make One program… .  The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Quality Deer Management Association also [have] similar programs.”[98]

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
P. O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 734-4002; (803) 734-3886
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

South Dakota

Airsoft guns are not legal to hunt with in South Dakota. Legal hunting guns “would need to have a muzzle velocity of at least 1,000 fps. A quick search for that information tells me …[that] …airsoft guns shoot at …250 feet per second to 350 feet per second.

“…South Dakota does have some laws and regulations that would pertain to airsoft guns, but the official terms will refer to them as ‘air guns’ since they do not use gun powder to propel their projectiles. …

“South Dakota Administrative Rule 41:06:04:17, is the most relevant in this case and defines minimum air gun specifications for hunting, as well as references Codified Law 41-8-31 to clarify what species it pertains to.

“41:06:04:17. Minimum air gun specifications. No person may hunt species listed in SDCL 41-8-31(1A) with an air gun that is factory-rated to produce a muzzle velocity of less than 1,000 feet per second. Only hunting pellets are permitted.

“41-8-31.   Hunting methods restricted – Violation as misdemeanor. No person may at any time hunt, catch, take, attempt to take, or kill any small game or game animal in any other manner than by shooting the same with a firearm, except: (1A) Cottontail rabbit, red squirrel, fox squirrel, grey squirrel, and any species defined as a predator/varmint in § 41-1-1 may be taken with an air gun that complies with specifications established by rules promulgated by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission pursuant to chapter 1-26…”[99]

“Air guns may only be used by licensed hunters to take cottontail rabbit, tree squirrel, coyote, fox, skunk, gopher, ground squirrel, chipmunk, jackrabbit, marmot, porcupine, crow and prairie dog; air guns must be factory-rated to produce a muzzle velocity of at least 1,000 feet per second; only hunting pellets are permitted.

“[A]ir-soft firearms …would not be able to shoot 1000 feet per second. The plastic air-soft pellets would not be allowed to be used. Air soft guns are intended to be used for recreational games, not hunting. The air rifles that are designed for hunting are very dangerous and could seriously injure a human.”[100]

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
523 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 223-7660
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Tennessee

“It is not legal to take and Airsoft gun hunting in Tennessee. …An Airsoft gun does not count as a hunting gun.”[101]

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
5105 Edmondson Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 781-6500; (615) 781-6538
Email (1)(2)(3)(4)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Texas

The status of Airsoft guns as hunting guns is a little unclear in Texas.

Texas law or hunting regulations specifically address three types of guns:

1. “Arrow gun: a device that fires an arrow or bolt solely by the use of unignited compressed gas as the propellant.
2. “Air gun: a device that fires a bullet solely by the use of unignited compressed gas as the propellant.
3. “Pre-charged pneumatic: an air gun or arrow gun for which the propellant is supplied or introduced by means of a source that is physically separate from the air gun or arrow gun.”[102]

According to one game warden, whether one of these types of guns is legal to hunt with “…would depend upon what you are hunting. Alligator, game animals, furbearers, squirrels, and non-migratory game birds (except Eastern Turkey) may be hunted with air guns and arrow guns provided [as follows in the applicable regulation]:

• “‘Alligators, big horn sheep, javelina, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and turkey may be taken only with pre-charged pneumatic arrow guns, or pre-charged pneumatic air guns. ◦Pre-charged pneumatic air guns must fire a projectile of at least 30 caliber in diameter and at least 150 grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least 215 foot pounds of energy.
• “‘Squirrels, pheasant, quail, and chachalaca may be hunted with air guns that fire a projectile of at least .177 caliber (4.5mm) in diameter producing a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second.
• “‘Arrows or bolts used with an arrow gun must conform to the same standards for projectiles for archery.
• “‘Arrow guns may not be used to hunt deer or turkey during archery season.’”[103]

Based upon the information presented above, it is reasonably to think that most Airsoft guns would not count as legal hunting devices in Texas. Although they may make the cut in terms of sheer caliber (Airsoft’s typical 6mm pellets exceed the 4.5mm minimum stated above), you have to realize that Airsoft BBs are plastic as opposed to metal. Another thing with Airsoft guns is that their muzzle energy is comparatively low. Most unmodified, factory Airsoft guns do not get anywhere close to 600 feet per second (fps) – remaining in the vicinity of 200-400 fps. All in all, Airsoft guns probably fall short, then, when considered hunting weapons. For more on the differences between plastic-pellet-shooting Airsoft guns and more powerfully designed metal-BB-firing air guns, see the article HERE.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 389-4800; (800) 792-1112
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Utah

“Airsoft guns are illegal to hunt with in Utah.”[104]

Although Airsoft guns are not explicitly listed as “Prohibited Weapons” (See Utah Administrative Code Rule R657-5-7),[105] they do not meet minimum requirements[106] for permissible hunting weapons.[107] Big-game handguns and rifles must have “centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets” and the handguns must also be able to “[develop] 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.” Airsoft guns shoot plastic BBs with very low muzzle energy. For more particulars, see HERE.

For more information, see the Utah Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook (2018-2019) .

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
1594 W North Temple
Suite 2110
P. O. Box 146301
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 538-4700
Email addresses
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Vermont

Technically, Airsoft guns appear to be legal for hunting in Vermont. This is seemingly because no law has specifically addressed their use. However, they are not recommended because they have insufficient ballistic energy to reliably kill targeted animals. For more in-depth information on why Airsoft guns are not ideal for hunting (or self-defense), see my article HERE.

“While it is legal for someone to hunt small game in Vermont with an Airsoft gun, I do not recommend it for ethical reasons. …An Airsoft gun, rifle or handgun, is not an implement of hunting. … Airsoft guns are not designed for and should not be used for anything other than what the safety manual states.”[108]

Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
1 National Life Dr.
Dewey Building
Montpelier, VT 05620
(802) 828-1000
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Virginia

Airsoft guns appear to be legal for hunting in Virginia. However, for reasons spelled out HERE, they are probably ineffectual and not recommended.

“Lawful weapons for hunting are defined in 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia. By this Code, air rifles are permissible weapons for hunting. However, the legislature never distinguished between air rifles that propel plastic projectiles and those that propel lead or metal projectiles. Therefore, airsoft rifles would be permissible to be used for small game hunting. …

“Based on …[this], it would be lawful to take it in the woods while hunting, however it would be mostly ineffective and may possibly cause injury and not death to anything shot with it. …[However,] allowing a new hunter to carry an airsoft rifle could have the benefit of learning safe firearm handling skills with a non-lethal weapon.”[109]

For more on the use of Airsoft guns for hunter training, as well as for a more general discussion of the relevant differences between “air guns” and Airsoft guns, see HERE.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 E. Main St.
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-6124
Email (1)(2)
Website

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
P.O. Box 90778
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 367-1000
Email
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Washington

“An airsoft gun is not a legal hunting weapon for big or small game in Washington. Information on legal hunting methods can be found in Washington’s Big Game Regulations and Seasons pamphlet, available online… .”[110]

This opinion was seconded by a representative of Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. “An airsoft gun does not meet the legal description for hunting equipment. … You could carry the airsoft gun… but it would not be a legal method for hunting.”[111]

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 902-2200; (360) 902-8111 (Hunter Education)
Email (1)(2)(3)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

West Virginia

In West Virginia (WV), “you can’t legally hunt with an airsoft gun, and you couldn’t harvest an animal with the gun or pellet. …

“[For example:] The ‘deer-buck firearm season’ that WV has every year for 2 weeks in November is called that for a reason. A hunter who is hunting during the buck gun season must lawfully use a firearm that is capable of harvesting a deer with one clean and humane shot. The projectile is a large piece of lead that is expelled from the muzzle because of an explosion of gun powder inside the shell. All hunting rifles and shotguns expel some type of projectile by the burning of gun powder, this explosion of powder pushes the lead projectile out of the muzzle at a speed too fast for our eyes to see. And these projectiles can travel extremely far distances before falling to rest safely, or hitting an object. It is very important for an ethical Hunter to harvest an animal with one clean shot.  As a hunter, we owe that to the game animals that we pursue.”[112]

The Department of Natural Resources, “DNR[,] allows the use of [.177 and .22] air rifles to be used for taking small game if properly licensed or legally exempt from licensing. By definition[,] the airsoft product is used for competition and recreation with low muzzle energy and low penetration.”[113]

For more on the differences between more powerful air rifles, and less powerful Airsoft guns, see HERE.

For more information: (1) Search the West Virginia Code for terms such as “air gun,” “Airsoft,” “BBs,” “guns,” and “hunting.” (2) View hunting regulations and rules on West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources website, HERE.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Bldg. 74
324 4^th Ave.
South Charleston, WV 25303
(304) 558-2758
Email (1)(2)(3)
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Why Airsoft Guns Are Not Good for Hunting or Self Defense” and “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Wisconsin

It appears to be illegal to use an Airsoft gun to hunt in Wisconsin.

The status of Airsoft guns as hunting weapons is a little unclear. One correspondent would only say that she was “…discussing this question with the Conservation Warden that is out of the location that I work at[,] and whether or not you would be able to hunt with an air gun is a tricky question due to the amount of variables such as: What type of animal you’re hunting[; What] Style of gun (i.e. rifle, handgun, shotgun)[ you’re hunting with; and what] Caliber of whichever style of gun [you have.]

“The Conservation Warden here recommends collecting information from your local warden over the phone instead of through [email or] text. …[Local wardens] would be the best ..[people] to break …down …what would be legal vs. illegal.”[114]

However, my correspondent did point me toward Wisconsin’s Small Game and Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations.[115] These have a few references to “airguns.”

“General Small Game Hunting Regulations[:] General Firearm, Bow and Crossbow Restrictions… Most hunting licenses allow the choice of hunting with a firearm, air rifle, bow and arrow or crossbow. …

“Rifles[:] Rifle means a firearm or airgun designed to be fired from the shoulder by the energy of an explosive propellant or compressed air used to fire a single projectile through a rifled or smooth barrel for each pull of the trigger. It is legal to hunt unprotected species (page 10), furbearing animals (page 11) and small game mammals (page 16) with a rifle, except that it is illegal to: Hunt with a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or with an overall length of less than 26 inches, unless you hold a federal license to possess a short-barreled rifle; Hunt with a pellet gun or air rifle less than .17 caliber; Hunt any game bird (page 12), migratory game bird (page 15) or wild turkey (page 16) with a rifle.”[116]

Based upon the caliber mentioned (.17), my guess is that the cited regulations pertain more to metal-BB-firing air rifles than to Airsoft guns.

This suspicion seems to be confirmed by a message from a second correspondent who wrote: “A weapon must meet the legal requirements in the regulation booklet in order to use. Otherwise, it would be considered illegal and possibly harassing an animal which is also illegal.”[117]

A third added: “Most high-power air rifles can kill animals. Most Airsoft guns cannot because they are meant to be used for competitive sport or recreational fun. There is a difference between the two because the airsoft guns are low energy weapons so that they can be used in recreational fun or competitive sport. Air guns (metal BB or pellet) are meant to be used for the purpose of hunting smaller animals as in squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks etc.”[118]

(For a general discussion on the differences between traditional BB guns and Airsoft guns, and why the latter are ill-suited to hunting, see HERE.)

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707
(888) 936-7463
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Wyoming

The status of Airsoft guns as hunting weapons is a little murky in Wyoming. One game warden stated that, strictly speaking, Airsoft guns appear to be technically legal for hunting in Wyoming, since there does not seem to be any law forbidding their use for that purpose. Still, the laws that allow “air guns” were written with metal-BB-shooting weapons in mind; and these are more powerful than Airsoft guns.

This is why one game warden expressed his opinion that “[a]n airsoft gun does not count as a hunting gun. The reason why is that it does not have enough power to quickly and ethically kill animals.”[119]

Still, he admits: “It is legal to hunt with air rifles such as pellet guns for small game and certain upland birds, and it is technically legal to take an airsoft gun hunting for small game and certain upland game birds, but it is not advised because they are not quite powerful enough to humanly kill small game.”[120]

However, a second, non-law-enforcement opinion comes from a Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter-education coordinator, who writes that “NO,” Airsoft guns do not count as hunting guns; and, “NO,” they would not be legal to take hunting.[121]

More information can possibly be gleaned from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which has posted “the firearm regulations on our website for details on what is approved for hunting.” See HERE.

I have been giving preference to the opinions of law-enforcement personnel over others. So, I will go with the judgment that Airsoft guns are “technically legal” for hunting in Wyoming. However, the game warden recommends against using them for this purpose because they are unlikely to be effective. And I take it that this is the reason why the education coordinator doesn’t hesitate to pass a negative judgment on the use of Airsoft guns as hunting weapons.

(For more information on why Airsoft guns are not made for hunting and how they differ from traditional BB guns, click HERE.)

Wyoming Department of Game and Fish
5400 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 777-4600
Email link
Website

For this state’s non-hunting-related Airsoft laws, see HERE. See also: “Can Airsoft Guns Kill Animals?”

Postscript: Federal Laws

Federal law says little or nothing (that I could find!) regarding hunting with Airsoft guns.

50 CFR Part 19 – ‘Airborne Hunting’

The first reference that I found was came up in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Chapter I, Subchapter B, Part 19. 50 CFR 19.1 says that the purpose of this part of the code is to “…provide rules relative to the prohibition against shooting or harassing of wildlife from any aircraft…”. It appears to be a blanket prohibition that covers any kind of gun and does not say anything specifically about Airsoft.

50 CFR 20.21 – ‘What hunting methods are illegal?’

A second reference that I found was in the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically Title 50, Chapter I, Subchapter B, Part 20, Subpart C, Section 20.21. However, this law does not seem to specifically address Airsoft or air guns of any kind. The only occurrences of the word “air” that I could find occur in the section “§ 20.21 What hunting methods are illegal?”

The section addresses migratory birds, and says: “Migratory birds on which open seasons are prescribed in this part may be taken by any method except those prohibited in this section. No persons shall take migratory game birds: …(d) From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics and persons missing one or both legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance; …(h) By means or aid of any motordriven land, water, or air conveyance, or any sailboat used for the purpose of or resulting in the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird…”

50 CFR 32.2 – Requirements for hunting on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System

Also in the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 50, Chapter I, Subchapter C, Part 32, Subpart A, Section 32.2) we read about the various rules concerning hunting on Wildlife Refuges. The word “air” doesn’t show up anywhere in the available text.[122]

7 CFR Part 1455 – Habitat Incentive Program

Again, “hunting” is touched on in 7 CFR 1455.11(f.)(5.)(iii.)(A.) & (E.) in the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 7, Subtitle B, Chapter XIV, Subchapter B, Part 1455). But this text appears to have to do with land grants and doesn’t covered air guns, Airsoft guns, or firearms.

10 U.S. Code § 2671 – ‘Military reservations and facilities: hunting, fishing, and trapping’

Another place where hunting shows up is in U.S. Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, Part IV, Chapter 159, Section 2671. It seems to cover hunting on military land and doesn’t seem to have anything relevant to say about air guns or Airsoft.

16 U.S.C. §§ 703-712 (except §709)

Another relevant statute – though, one I will not write about at any length – is the so-called Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA). According to this conservation law, contained in Title 16 of the U.S. Code (Chapter 7, Subchapter II, Section 703), it is illegal to capture, hunt, kill, pursue, or otherwise “take” migratory birds. Since this is a blanket prohibition, it doesn’t matter whether you’re using a firearm or an Airsoft gun or a ball-peen hammer. If a bird is on the list of “migratory birds,” then it is unlawful to molest it – in any way (including buying or selling it).

Basic Safety Tips

Despite their relatively “safe” design, it is important to treat Airsoft guns with respect. In fact, if only for training purposes, it is a good practice to treat them as if they were bona fide firearms. I have gone into safe gun-handling tips in another place. But I thought that it would be appropriate to end, here, with one law-enforcement agent’s brief articulation of some common safety guidelines.

1. “Consider all weapons as if they are loaded.
2. “Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire and made the decision to fire.
3. “Never let the muzzle (gun) point at anything you don’t intend to shoot or destroy.
4. “Beware of your target and what is beyond your target.”[123]
5. “Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.”[124]

Additional Resources

Could an Airsoft gun actually kill an animal? For a discussion, see HERE.

Do Airsoft guns have to have “blaze-orange” tips? I look into the matter HERE.

For a fuller treatment of Airsoft gun safety, see HERE.

For an overview of Airsoft protective gear, see HERE.

“Are Airsoft Guns ‘Firearms’? Are They Legal? & Other Issues”

For a bird’s-eye view of general (i.e., non-hunting-related), Airsoft laws in the U.S., see HERE.

Notes:

[1] As mentioned in the introduction, one tricky thing is the fact that “hunting” can mean a lot more than successfully killing an animal. In some contexts, it can also mean pursuing an animal. So: “If a airsoft gun was used in the pursuit, capturing, or killing of a Game animal or bird then it would then be considered a ‘hunting gun’.” Thomas Bobo, Conservation Enforcement Officer, Marshall County; via email.

[2] Heath Walls, Captain, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Law Enforcement, District IV; via email.

[3] Bobo, loc. cit.

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

[5] Ibid.

[6] The relevant passage refers to “Rifles using rimfire ammunition or those operated by air.” Cited by Michael Weathers, Chief of Enforcement, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division; via email.

[7] Weathers, op. cit.

[8] Bobo, loc. cit. Though, he admits that “…there may be an Airsoft out there that has the power to be ethical, I am just not aware of it.” Ibid.

[9] Rick Green, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game; via email; Citing “Safety Guidelines,” Safety and Owner’s Manual, American Airsoft Factory. Mr. Green adds: “…[W]e …have some …informative Courses on hunting …thru our website.”

[10] Ibid. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, he also ventured the opinion that “…‘hunting’ isn’t always about [killing] animals[,] and if one were using an airsoft gun for hunting [sic] …inanimate objects such as strategically placed paper targets, then Airsoft guns would ‘count’ as a hunting gun.”

[11] Will Newberry, Wildlife Technician III, Department of Fish and Game; via email. See also the comments from Wade Schock (Wildlife Biologist II, Anchorage Wildlife Information Center, Alaska Department of Fish and Game; via email). He wrote: “We would consider an Airsoft gun an air gun. [Although i]t does not sound like an airsoft gun is created for the purpose of hunting[,] …[i]n Alaska, …[y]ou can use an air gun to shoot small game like rabbits and grouse. …[Y]ou can not use an air gun for the purpose of taking big game. …Some air guns are effective in killing small game. It does not sound like the airsoft gun is powerful enough to effectively kill a small game animal. It is a hunter’s responsibility to kill an animal as quickly and cleanly as possible.”

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

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

[14] Doris Lutes, City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation; via email.

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

[16] Ibid.

[17] She writes: “The regulations on killing devices …[do] not address an air-soft type gun. …I would classify it as a toy. …I do not think it would be lethal to even small game (squirrel & rabbit).” Therefore, she thinks, the question of “hunting” with Airsoft guns “would be more of [an] ethical question.” She asks: “why would you [shoot animals with it], knowing that it would[,] with high probability[,] only sting or injure the animal[?]” Kim Cartwright, Media Specialist, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; via email.

[18] Peter Blake, Officer, Supervisor Shasta and Tehama Counties; via email.

[19] 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. (Italics added.)

[20] Chad Hanna, Administrative Assistant II, Front Desk Coordinator, Colorado Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[21] Additionally, a person might wonder whether unmodified Airsoft guns are under “high” enough pressure to qualify as legal hunting guns.

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

[23] Ibid.

[24] These sentiments were echoed by Thomas Donlon (Coordinator, Conservation Education and Firearms Safety Program, Wildlife Division, Bureau of Natural Resources, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; via email). He wrote: “Hunting laws and regulations only allow the use of firearms and ‘High Velocity’ air guns with species specific limitations. …Hunting laws and regulations are designed to ensure legal methods of take (firearms and high velocity air guns) have… the highest success rate of quickly and ethical dispatching game animals.”

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

[26] Link provided by Donlon, loc. cit.

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

[28] “Taking Game,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, n.d., <https://myfwc.com/hunting/regulations/taking-game/>. I was referred to this website by Tammy Sapp, Communications, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network; via email.

[29] Ibid.

[30] Part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

[31] Tony Young, Media Relations Coordinator, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; via email. Presumably, he means what you use a weapon for goes some distance to determine how it is classified. But what I want to know is want Florida law prescribes for hunting. If I take a hammer to go after a goose, the hammer might be considered a “hunting weapon.” But I am willing to doubt that hammers don’t show up on lists of approved hunting weapons in Florida.

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

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

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

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

[36] Chase Sanford, Conservation Police Officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, Region 2, District 4; via email. On the other hand, Officer Justin Knopp gives a somewhat contrary opinion: “An airsoft gun does technically fall within the legal definition of air gun as defined by the hunting regulations. For certain species it would not be illegal to carry in the field, however due to them being made specially not to penetrate due to low kinetic energy of the projectile it would not be a viable or recommend hunting weapon. Even for the smallest of game at close ranges a projectile from an air gun is recommended to have a minimum 15 foot-pounds of energy.” Mr. Knopp followed up by writing: “I was utilizing the definition that is found in ILCS 720 (Illinois Criminal Code) defining air gun, in which air soft guns apply. I have been unable to find anything in our wildlife code that defines air gun. What he [i.e., Mr. Sanford] may be referring to, is if a gun is incapable of actually killing an animal, [then] it [i.e., the attempt to shoot it] could be construed as animal harassment.” A third game warden stated: “I agree with both officers. …In my travels I have never observed a sportsman use an air soft gun while attempting to take any type of game/small game. Personally, I have minimal hands on experience shooting air soft. I was able to utilize an air soft gun one time, while target shooting. The air soft firearm I used was NOT powerful enough to hunt any small game.” John “Louie” Farber, Illinois Game Warden; via email.

[37] Audrey M. Hoftender, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Region 1, District 1; via email.

[38] Jeff Hopkins, Safety Education Section, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; via email.

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

[40] Axton described “Hunter Ethics” as “a very gray area.” Ibid.

[41] Axton, loc. cit.; citing: “IC 14-8-2-278 ‘Take’ Sec. 278. ‘Take’ has the following meaning: (1) For purposes of IC 14-22, except as provided in subdivisions (2) and (3): (A) to kill, shoot, spear, gig, catch, trap, harm, harass, or pursue a wild animal; or (B) to attempt to engage in such conduct. (2) For purposes of IC 14-22-6-16, the meaning set forth in IC 14-22-6-16(b). (3) For purposes of IC 14-22-34, the meaning set forth in IC 14-22-34-5. …”

[42] Axton, loc. cit.

[43] Axton, loc. cit.; quoting: “312 IAC 8-1.5-8 ‘Firearm or bow and arrows’ defined …Sec. 8. “Firearm or bow and arrows” means: (1) a firearm; (2) an air gun; (3) a CO2 gun; (4) a spear gun; (5) a bow and arrows; (6) a crossbow; (7) a paint gun; or (8) a similar mechanical device; that can be discharged and is capable of causing injury or death to a person or an animal or damage to property[.]”

[44] Webmaster, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[45] Marilyn Alberg, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Law Enforcement Division; via email. Alberg’s comments were echoed, nearly verbatim, by John McCord, Assistant Director of Law Enforcement, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; via email.

[46] McCord, loc. cit.

[47] Alberg, loc. cit.

[48] “Chace” from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife; via email.

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

[50] Ibid.

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

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

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

[54] Lieutenant Michael Grady, Massachusetts Environmental Police; via email.

[55] Marion E. Larson, Chief of Information & Education, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife; via email.

[56] Grady, loc. cit.

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

[58] Sgt. Brian Olsen, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; via email; citing: “Under the state law for FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION [–] 123.1101 Definitions. Sec. 1. As used in this act: (a) ‘Firearm’ means any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive. (d) ‘Pneumatic gun’ means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or pellet by spring, gas, or air. Pneumatic gun includes a paintball gun that expels by pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.”

“UNDER the state law for Wildlife Conservation [–] 324.40102 Definitions; A to F[.] “(12) ‘Firearm’ means a weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by using explosives, gas, or air. Firearm does not include a smooth bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber by means of a spring, air, or gas.

“Under WCO General Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2.1[.] “2.1 Taking of animals; prohibited methods, devices, and weapons; exceptions. Sec. 2.1 Unless otherwise specified in this order, a person shall not do any of the following: (1) Make use of a pit, pitfall, deadfall, scaffold, raised platform, tree, cage, snare, trap, net, baited hook, or similar device, or a drug, poison, anti-coagulant, smoke, gas, explosive, weasel, ferret, fitchew, arbalest, spear, or mechanical device, for the purpose of taking an animal or driving an animal out of their hole or home. For the purpose of this order, a mechanical device shall not be construed to mean a firearm, crossbow, slingshot, or bow and arrow. When used in this order, “raised platform” means a horizontal surface constructed or manufactured by a person that increases the field of vision of a person using the horizontal surface beyond the field of vision that would normally be attained by that person standing on the ground.”

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

[60] Ibid.

[61] Kieft, loc. cit.

[62] Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations, booklet, 2018, p. 25, <https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/full_regs.pdf>.

[63] “What are unprotected animals? Unprotected birds including house sparrows, starlings, common pigeons, Eurasian collared dove, chukar partridge, quail, other than northern bobwhite, and monk parakeets may be taken at any time. Unprotected mammals include: coyotes, gophers, porcupines, striped skunks. Mammals for which there are no closed seasons or other protection are also unprotected. Unprotected birds and mammals may be taken in any manner, except with the aid of artificial lights or by using a motor vehicle to drive, chase, run over, or kill the animal.” Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations, loc. cit.

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

[65] The list reads, in part, as follows. “LEGAL WEAPONS [–] Archery: Longbows, recurves, crossbows and compound bows. …Primitive Weapons: Weapons legal for use during the Primitive Weapons season are all archery equipment and primitive firearms. ‘Primitive firearms,’ for the purpose of hunting deer, are defined as single- or double- barreled, muzzle-loading shotguns of at least .38 caliber; OR singleshot, breech-loading, metallic-cartridge rifles (.35 caliber or larger) and replicas, reproductions, or reintroductions of those type rifles with an exposed hammer; OR single- or double-barreled, muzzle-loading shotguns, with single ball or slug. All muzzle-loading primitive firearms must use black powder or a black powder substitute with percussion caps, #209 shotgun primers, or flintlock ignition. ‘Blackpowder substitute’ is defined as a substance designed, manufactured, and specifically intended to be used as a propellant in muzzleloading or other black powder firearms, excluding modern smokeless powder. …Gun: There are no caliber or magazine capacity restrictions on firearms. Archery and primitive firearms may be used during Gun seasons.” Loc. cit.

[66] Robert Parham, Hunter Education, State of Mississippi; via email.

[67] But see: “[A]n Airsoft gun could [only] be used to hunt wildlife …[if] it fits the definition of a firearm.” Tom Strother, Protection Regional Supervisor; via email.

[68] Here’s a bit more. “The Wildlife Code of Missouri contains all of the hunting and fishing regulations.  …[Here is some] …of the verbiage directly from the Code. Part of the hunting methods allowed for hunting is: ‘Firearms. Firearms may be used to take wildlife (except beaver, mink, muskrat, river otter, turtles, and fish) during the open seasons, with the following limitations: For hunting game birds (except the crow), pistols, revolvers, and rifles may not be used. Except for hunting deer, any shotgun having a capacity of more than three (3) shells must have the magazine cut off or plugged with a device incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to reduce the capacity to not more than three (3) shells in magazine and chamber combined. Fully automatic firearms are prohibited. …Special Firearms Provision. During the November portion and the antlerless portion of the firearms deer season in counties open to deer hunting, other wildlife may be hunted and feral hogs may be taken only with a pistol, revolver, or rifle firing a rimfire cartridge .22 caliber or smaller or a shotgun and shot not larger than No. 4, except that waterfowl hunters, trappers, landowners on their land, or lessees on land upon which they reside may use other methods as specified in this rule. …’ The definition used for a firearm is: ‘Firearms: Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single projectile at one (1) discharge including those powered by spring, air, or compressed gas, and shotguns not larger than ten (10) gauge.’” Strother, Loc. cit.

[69] 3 CSR 10-7.431.

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

[71] Geanna Gettys, Office Manager – Kansas City Regional Office, Missouri Department of Conservation; via email.

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

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

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

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

[76] Tyler Turnipseed, Chief Game Warden, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Law Enforcement; via email. The secondary opinion came from Tony Wasley (Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife; via email). He wrote: Regarding Airsoft in Nevada: “They are NOT legal hunting guns. …It is legal to have an Airsoft gun with you while you hunt, but it is not a legal weapon as defined by Nevada state laws so you would need to actually hunt with a different weapon.”

[77] Kreamer, loc. cit.

[78] “Please note that under Game mammals it lists deer, bear, elk etc. which again are singled out and listed as ‘Big Game’ under NAC 502.020. Small Game species would be what is left in NAC 503.020 after the ‘Big Game’ species are removed from that section.” Kreamer, loc. cit.

[79] Lieutenant Heidi Murphy, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department; via email.

[80] New Hampshire RSA 207:1; cited by ibid.

[81] Murphy, loc. cit.

[82] Paul Tarlowe, Wildlife Education Specialist, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife; via email. See, also, the comments from Detective I. J. Hearne (#7209, New Jersey State Police, Firearms Investigation Unit; via email). He wrote: “Airsoft guns are not regulated in the state of New Jersey. BB guns and black powder guns are regulated the same as any other firearms in NJ. As long as it [i.e., the weapon under consideration] is classified as an Airsoft gun and shoots the Airsoft plastic pellets, then there are no current regulations in the state of New Jersey. …I would not recommend them for hunting due to the fact that they have a higher probability to injure the animal but not dispose of the animal in a humane way. …

“Although Airsoft guns are designed to have low muzzle energy ratings they can still be dangerous. They could easily cause damage and hurt a small animal. They would have the potential to kill a small animal. …Airsoft guns can be a fun hobby but make sure to always wear protective gear and follow all safety instructions.”

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

[84] I received a confirmatory message (via email) on this definition from “Dispatcher 23” in the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife, Office of Public Protection, Central Dispatch.

[85] Christopher Finlay, Hunter Education Program, Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; via email. Another correspondent wrote: “Go to www.dec.ny.goc and look up the New York Hunting & Trapping Guide. Check out the General Hunting Regulations/definitions for air gun, there you will find all of your answers and more relevant information on NY ST Hunting Laws.” The message was signed “Dispatcher 14.”

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

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

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

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

[90] Ibid.

[91] Ibid.

[92] Rick Swart, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, West Region Public Information Officer; via email. This was seconded by Meghan Dugan, Public Information Officer, Roseburg, Oregon. She wrote: “No, airsoft guns are not a legal hunting gun for any game animal in Oregon. …While it is legal to possess an airsoft gun within a hunt area, it is illegal to target wildlife/game with an airsoft gun.”

[93] This brief reply was signed only “lnm@pgc.” “PGC” is short for Pennsylvania Game Commission.

[94] Reply from General Mailbox, Pennsylvania Gaming Commission, N.C. Region.

[95] lnm@pgc, loc. cit.

[96] Kurt Blanchard, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Law Enforcement; via email. See, also, “Airsoft guns, because they shoot a projectile are considered weapons by legal definition. They can not, however, be used for hunting as they are not powerful enough to kill an animal humanely. The State of Rhode Island does permit the use of Air Rifles to hunt small mammals such as squirrels, woodchucks and rabbits. The Air Rifles have to be larger than .177 caliber and not larger than .22 caliber; a minimum of 750 feet per second (fps) velocity with a pellet that weighs 7.5 grains or larger. …While airsoft guns are made for realistic game play, they could if things went wrong could kill something. They were not designed for hunting and as stated above, are not powerful enough to kill an animal humanely.” Scott Bergemann, Environmental Protection Officer, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division Of Law Enforcement; via email.

[97] Captain Lee E. Ellis, SC Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division; via email.

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

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

[100] Tyler Krekelberg, Conservation Warden, Department of Natural Resources, Pierre, South Dakota; via email.

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

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

[103] Mitchell, loc. cit.

[104]  Lieutenant David Beveridge, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; via email. Officer Beveridge also stated: “Airsoft guns could likely kill animals, depending on the gun, prey and shooting conditions. Airsoft guns would be considered inhumane due to a lack of velocity and no expanding bullet.” The basic judgment — that Airsoft guns aren’t legal in Utah — was echoed by another correspondent, who wrote: “airsoft guns are not legal. They do not produce enough energy to [humanely] kill. And even though Hunter Education allows pellet guns and BB guns to qualify for Hunter Safety, airsoft guns are not [allowed].” Walt Maldonado, Recreation Specialist, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; via email; citing “law enforcement.”

Robin Cahoon Goodman (Conservation Outreach Section Chief, Utah) wrote (via email): “[A]irsoft guns do not meet the standards in place for weapons that can be used to hunt protected wildlife. Therefore, it would be illegal for someone to use an airsoft gun to hunt projected wildlife. And it is unlikely that an airsoft gun could kill a rabbit or squirrel. Addition information about what you should know when it comes to the different hunting methods can be found on Page 20 and 21 of the 2018-2019 Utah Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook…,” for which, see the link in the main text.

[105] “R657-5-7. Prohibited Weapons. (1) A person may not use any weapon or device to take big game other than those expressly permitted in this rule. (2) A person may not use: (a) a firearm capable of being fired fully automatic; (b) any light enhancement device or aiming device that casts a visible beam of light; or (c) a firearm equipped with a computerized targeting system that marks a target, calculates a firing solution and automatically discharges the firearm at a point calculated most likely to hit the acquired target. (3) Nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting laser range finding devices or illuminated sight pins for archery equipment.” Shared by Suzette Fowlks, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; via email.

[106] “R657-5-8. Rifles, Shotguns, and Crossbows. (1) A rifle used to hunt big game must fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets. (2) A shotgun used to hunt big game must be 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition. (3)(a) A crossbow used to hunt big game must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a positive mechanical safety mechanism. (b) A crossbow arrow or bolt used to hunt big game must be at least 16 inches long and have: (i) fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or (ii) expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position. (c) Unless otherwise authorized by the division through a certificate of registration, it is unlawful for any person to: (i) hunt big game with a crossbow during a big game archery hunt; (ii) carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way; or (iii) hunt any protected wildlife with a crossbow utilizing a bolt that has any chemical, explosive or electronic device attached. (4) A crossbow used to hunt big game may have a fixed or variable magnifying scope only during an any weapon hunt.” “R657-5-9. Handguns. (1) A handgun may be used to take deer and pronghorn, provided the handgun: (a) is a minimum of .24 caliber; (b) fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet; and (c) develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. (2) A handgun may be used to take elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat, provided the handgun; (a) is a minimum of .24 caliber; (b) fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet; and (c) develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards.” “R657-5-10. Muzzleloaders. (1) A muzzleloader may be used during any big game hunt, except an archery hunt, provided the muzzleloader: (a) can be loaded only from the muzzle; (b) has open sights, peep sights, or a variable or fixed power scope, including a magnifying scope; (c) has a single barrel; (d) has a minimum barrel length of 18 inches; (e) is capable of being fired only once without reloading; (f) powder and bullet, or powder, sabot and bullet are not bonded together as one unit for loading; (g) is loaded with black powder or black powder substitute, which must not contain smokeless powder. (2)(a) A lead or expanding bullet or projectile of at least 40 caliber must be used to hunt big game. (b) A bullet 130 grains or heavier, or a sabot 170 grains or heavier, must be used for taking deer and pronghorn. (c) A 210 grain or heavier bullet must be used for taking elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat, except sabot bullets used for taking these species must be a minimum of 240 grains. (3)(a) A person who has obtained a muzzleloader permit for a big game hunt may: (i) use only muzzleloader equipment authorized in this Subsections (1) and (2) to take the species authorized in the permit; and (ii) not possess or be in control of a rifle or shotgun while in the field during the muzzleloader hunt. (b) “Field” for purposes of this section, means a location where the permitted species of wildlife is likely to be found, but does not include a hunter’s established campsite or the interior of a fully enclosed automobile or truck. (c) The provisions of Subsection (a) do not apply to: (i) a person lawfully hunting upland game or waterfowl; (ii) a person licensed to hunt big game species during hunts that coincide with the muzzleloader hunt; (iii) livestock owners protecting their livestock; or (iv) a person licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code, provided the person is not utilizing the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife. (4) A person who has obtained an any weapon permit for a big game hunt may use muzzleloader equipment authorized in this Section to take the species authorized in the permit.”

[107] At least, not for “big game.” When I asked about small game, I received this reply: “Firearms, crossbows and archery [are] tackle[d in] 50 CFR 20.21, Utah Code § 23-20-3 and Utah Admin. Rule R657- 6-6, R657-6-7 and R657-54-4. Several rules apply to the types of firearms, crossbows, archery tackle and ammunition that you may use to take upland game and wild turkeys in Utah. Upland game[:] You may hunt and harvest upland game with any of the following: Archery equipment, including a draw lock[;] A crossbow[;] A shotgun no larger than 10 gauge[;] A handgun Ammunition for shotguns and handguns must be one-half ounce or more of shot that ranges in size from no. 2 through no. 8. The only exceptions to these rules are as follows: Sandhill crane may be taken only with nontoxic shot, but there’s no restriction on the size of the nontoxic shot you may use… Migratory game birds (crows, doves, pigeons and cranes) may not be taken with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (one in the chamber and two in the magazine). Many shotguns can hold more than two shells in the magazine, but making these guns legal for crow, dove, pigeon and crane hunting is easy. An inexpensive item, called a ‘shotgun plug,’ comes with most shotguns, or you can purchase one at most sporting goods stores. Crows, doves, pigeons and cranes may not be taken with a handgun. Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare may be taken with any firearm that is not capable of being fired fully automatic. In addition to the requirements above, you may NOT use either of the following: A firearm capable of being fired fully automatic Any light-enhancement device or aiming device that casts a visible beam of light.” Fowlks, loc. cit.

[108] Colonel Jason M. Batchelder, Chief Warden, Vermont Fish and Wildlife; via email. Lieutenant David A. Gregory (District Chief Game Warden, Vermont; via email) adds that an Airsoft gun is usually “not considered a firearm…”. For more on this, see HERE.

[109] Major Scott E. Naff, Assistant Chief of Operations, Virginia Conservation Police, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries; via email. Major Naff adds: “Deer and Bear require a caliber of at least .23 and I am not aware of any airsoft rounds of that diameter.” The idea that Airsoft rounds are not .23 caliber seems incorrect. As far as I can tell, “caliber” refers simultaneously to the external diameter of the BBs (or pellets or shot) fired by a gun as well as the internal barrel diameter – both measured in inches. So, saying that a BB is “.23 caliber” is basically just as way of saying that the BB has a .23-inch diameter. Expressed in the metric system, .23 inches is 5.842 millimeters (mm). But the standard size for a plastic Airsoft BB is 6 mm, or 0.23622 inches. This puts the standard Airsoft pellet size six thousandths above the .23 caliber threshold. (Which is a thing in Virginia, apparently.) And some Airsoft guns shoot 8 mm (0.314961 inch “.31 caliber”) BBs. That being said, Airsoft BBs are still manufactured out of plastic as opposed to metal. For more on this, and other reasons why Airsoft guns do not make suitable hunting weapons, see HERE.

[110] Wildlife Program Customer Service, Washington; via email. The respondent adds: “In Washington, air guns can only be used to hunt unclassified wildlife. To hunt unclassified wildlife, you need a valid big game or small game license. You can hunt unclassified wildlife year-round with no bag limit and with any weapon (such as an air rifle). Please review the Small Game, Furbearers, and Unclassified Species section (pages 151-152) from the 2015-2021 Game Management Plan to see which species are unclassified in Washington. The Game Management Plan is available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01676/wdfw01676.pdf.” Ibid.

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

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

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

[114] Megan S., Bureau of Customer and Outreach Services/External Services Division, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; via email.

[115] Another respondent also did this, writing: “Airguns can count as hunting gun, but only on specific animals. There are also restrictions that need to be followed. Here are some of the restrictions from page four of the Small Game Regulations. …There is nothing restricting you from taking an airsoft gun hunting other than the weapon length and the size of the BB used. The BB has to be equivalent to a .17 caliber. That would be the size of the BB. There is also length requirements for pistols and rifles to be used for hunting. …I would not take an AIRSOFT gun hunting because airsoft does not pack enough power to kill an animal without it suffering. That is why there are regular firearms/bows and air rifles/handguns. Those weapons possess enough lethal power to kill the animals faster or immediately. Airsoft BBs are not going to be able to penetrate the animal’s fur and skin unless it is a high-powered airsoft weapon.”

[116] Wisconsin Small Game Regulations, p. 4, <https://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/wm/WM0430.pdf>.

[117] Emily K., Bureau of Customer and Outreach Services, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; via email. She added: “Please look at this link or the attachment to review the Wisconsin Small Game Regulations: https://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/wm/wm0430.pdf,” which is the same URL provided by the previously cited Department of Natural Resources representative.

[118] Corey P., Bureau of Customer and Outreach Services, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; via email.

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

[120] Ibid.

[121] George Oberstadt, Hunter Education Coordinator, Communication and Outreach Services, Wyoming Game and Fish Department; via email. I asked Mr. Oberstadft about Officer Meadows’s reply. Fundamentally, I wanted to know: is it technically legal to hunt with Airsoft guns, but not recommended, or is it actually against the law? Obserstadt responded, saying: “My response would be it is not ethical or legal to hunt with Airsoft guns so don’t do it. There would be no intention to ‘hunt’ using an airsoft gun but only to harass wildlife with them.”

[122] Nor do the words “firearm,” “pneumatic,” etc.

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

[124] John “Louie” Farber, Illinois Game Warden; via email.