Pellet Gun Hunting Guide 2025: Getting Started, Best Rifles & Regulations

Pellet guns are popular for all kinds of uses, from target shooting to recreational plinking to hunting. Whether you’re interested in a pistol or an air rifle, there’s a wide range of options and styles to suit your needs and preferences.

One of the most popular uses for pellet guns is hunting. You can go pellet gun hunting for game as small as sparrows or as large as coyotes (and with the latest big bore air rifles, even larger game in some states). What you can hunt depends on the type of gun you select, the caliber and power level, and the regulations in your county or state.

Here’s what you need to know to get started with pellet gun hunting in 2025:

Types of Pellet Guns For Hunting

Pellet guns come in several configurations, and you can use any of them for hunting. The best choice depends on the kind of game you plan to hunt and your experience level.

Spring-Piston / Gas Ram Air Rifles

Spring-piston air rifles offer excellent power without needing external air sources. Modern gas ram (Nitro Piston, IGT) models provide smoother cocking and better cold-weather performance than traditional springs. These are single-shot rifles – if you miss, your prey is likely gone before you can reload.

Best for: Budget-conscious hunters, those who want simplicity, pest control
Limitations: Single shot, hold-sensitive (requires good technique)

Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i

The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen 3i solves the single-shot problem with a revolutionary 10-shot rotary magazine. In .22 caliber, it delivers approximately 25 FPE – more than enough for squirrels, rabbits, and pest birds. The Whisper Fusion technology keeps shots quiet, which is essential for backyard pest control. This is one of the best budget hunting air rifles available under $300.

Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Rifles

PCP rifles are the gold standard for serious air rifle hunting. They provide:

• Consistent velocity shot after shot
• Minimal recoil for better accuracy
• Multiple shots per fill (20-60+ depending on caliber)
• Higher power potential than springers

The only downside is needing a way to fill them – either a hand pump or scuba/carbon fiber tank.

Benjamin Marauder – The Budget PCP King

The Benjamin Marauder has been the go-to entry-level hunting PCP for years. In .22 caliber, it delivers around 30 FPE with exceptional accuracy. The regulated air system provides consistent velocities, and the shrouded barrel keeps things quiet. Available in .177, .22, and .25 calibers.

Air Venturi Avenger – Best Value PCP

The Air Venturi Avenger has disrupted the market with PCP performance at an incredible price. User-adjustable power settings let you tune it for your specific hunting needs, from low-power pest control to maximum energy for larger game.

Umarex Gauntlet 2 – Feature-Packed Hunter

For those wanting more features, the Umarex Gauntlet 2 offers excellent accuracy, a regulated action, and a large air reservoir for extended shooting sessions. Available in .22, .25, and .30 calibers for different game sizes.

Types of Game for Pellet Gun Hunting

The type of game you can ethically hunt with pellet guns depends on the power of the gun (measured in foot-pounds of energy, or FPE) and your shot placement accuracy.

Power Requirements by Game Type

Game	Minimum FPE	Recommended Caliber
Sparrows, Starlings	5-10 FPE	.177
Rats, Mice, Pigeons	10-15 FPE	.177 or .22
Squirrels, Rabbits	15-20 FPE	.22
Raccoons, Groundhogs	25-35 FPE	.22 or .25
Foxes, Coyotes	40+ FPE	.25 or .30

Important: These are minimums with perfect shot placement. More power provides a larger margin for error and more humane kills. Always aim for headshots on small game.

Best Hunting Ammunition

The right pellet can make a huge difference in hunting effectiveness. For hunting, you want pellets that:

• Expand or deform on impact for maximum energy transfer
• Maintain accuracy at hunting distances (25-50 yards)
• Have consistent weight and quality

Recommended Hunting Pellets

JSB Exact (Domed) – Best All-Around

JSB Exact pellets are the gold standard for accuracy and are excellent for hunting. The domed design provides good penetration while still transferring energy effectively.

H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme – Expanding Tip

H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme pellets feature a hollow point design that expands on impact, creating a larger wound channel. Excellent for squirrels and rabbits.

NSA Slug – For Powerful PCPs

If you’re shooting a high-powered PCP, consider airgun slugs instead of traditional pellets. They provide better energy retention at distance and devastating terminal performance. Best for .22 caliber and larger.

Regulations for Hunting with Pellet Guns

Laws and regulations for hunting with pellet guns vary significantly by location. Before you start, check with your state wildlife agency and local municipality about:

• Licensing: Many states allow pellet gun hunting without a firearms license, but you may still need a hunting license
• Minimum caliber/power: Some states specify minimum requirements for certain game
• Hunting seasons: Air rifle hunting is often allowed outside regular firearms seasons
• Bag limits: Limits on how many animals you can take
• Where you can hunt: Many areas allow air rifles where firearms are prohibited

2025 Legal Trends

More states are recognizing air rifles for hunting:

• Texas allows big bore air rifles for deer hunting
• Many states allow air rifles for small game year-round
• Urban and suburban areas often permit air rifle pest control where firearms are banned

Essential Hunting Tips

1. Know your effective range: Most hunting should be done within 50 yards. Beyond that, accuracy and energy drop significantly.
2. Practice shot placement: A well-placed .177 is more effective than a poorly placed .25
3. Consider a quality scope: Open sights are fine for plinking, but hunting demands precision
4. Scout your hunting area: Know where animals feed, rest, and travel
5. Be patient: Air rifles require you to get closer than firearms – stealth matters

Getting Started

For beginners interested in pellet gun hunting, we recommend starting with:

1. A quality .22 caliber rifle with at least 20 FPE
2. Premium pellets (JSB, H&N, or similar)
3. A reliable scope (4x or variable)
4. Practice at known distances before hunting

Check out our guides on choosing the best air rifle for hunting and powerful air rifles on a budget for specific product recommendations.

Last updated: November 2025