Last updated: July 2026
Important Legal Disclaimer
Hunting regulations change every year and vary by species, game management unit (GMU), season, and city or county ordinance. This guide summarizes Washington state air rifle hunting regulations as a research starting point—it is not legal advice. Before you load a single pellet, verify the current rules directly with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) at wdfw.wa.gov and read the current-year Washington Big Game, Migratory Waterfowl & Upland Game, and small game regulation pamphlets. Washington draws hard lines between game, protected, and unclassified species—and it protects several small mammals that are open season elsewhere. Get the classification wrong and you risk fines, license revocation, and criminal charges.
With Washington’s fall forest-grouse and small-game seasons opening in early September and the Columbia Basin still warm through late summer, late July is exactly when smart Evergreen State shooters do their homework. If you’ve been eyeing an air rifle and searching Washington state air rifle hunting regulations 2026, here’s the honest picture: Washington recognizes air guns as a legal method of take for a range of small game and unclassified species, but it is firmly closed to big game—and it protects more small critters than neighboring states do. This guide breaks down what’s legal under the WDFW airgun small game hunting laws, what caliber and energy you need, which license to buy, and where you can and can’t take the shot.
Can You Hunt With an Air Rifle in Washington? The Short Answer
Yes—for small game and certain unclassified species, but not for big game. Washington recognizes air rifles as a legal method of take for rabbits, hares, and a list of unclassified and non-native pests, but the state has a firm ceiling on what you can pursue with a pellet.
Here’s the critical distinction that defines Washington airgun hunting:
- Generally legal with an air rifle: cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hare, coyotes and other unclassified wildlife, non-native eastern gray and fox squirrels (where huntable and where discharge is legal), and unprotected non-native birds—European starlings, house sparrows, and feral (rock) pigeons. Air-gun eligibility for forest grouse should be confirmed per the current small-game rules.
- NOT legal with an air rifle: big game—deer, elk, moose, black bear, cougar, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep—cannot be taken with any airgun in Washington. Big game is restricted to legal firearms, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment during their designated seasons.
- Protected—do not shoot: the native western gray squirrel is a state-listed species and fully protected in Washington. So are native songbirds, raptors, and several small mammals that are fair game in other states.
So if you landed here hoping to take a Washington blacktail with a big-bore PCP the way you can in Texas, stop now: it is not permitted. Washington airgun hunting is a small-game and pest-control pursuit—and a rewarding one if you respect the rules.
How Washington (WDFW) Classifies Wildlife
Every rule about calibers, seasons, and licenses flows from how WDFW categorizes an animal. Getting this wrong is the fastest route to an illegal-take citation. Washington sorts wildlife into these broad buckets:
- Big game: deer, elk, moose, black bear, cougar, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn — not airgun-eligible
- Small game: cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hare, and forest grouse (ruffed, sooty, and spruce) — hunted in season with a small game license; confirm airgun eligibility per species
- Migratory game birds: ducks, geese, coots, snipe, band-tailed pigeon, and mourning dove — governed by separate federal and state rules (typically not airgun methods)
- Furbearers: bobcat, beaver, mink, marten, muskrat, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and others (special seasons and license/permits)
- Unclassified wildlife: coyote and a number of other species — generally takeable with fewer season restrictions, but a license is typically required
- Protected & state-listed species: western gray squirrel, Washington ground squirrel, white-tailed jackrabbit, native songbirds, raptors, and more — do not take
The takeaway: in Washington, a non-native eastern gray squirrel in a rural area may be huntable, while the native western gray squirrel a few miles away is fully protected. Same-looking animal, completely opposite rules. Always confirm WDFW’s current classification of your exact target before you hunt. For a broader picture of how states differ, see our air rifle hunting laws by state guide, and compare next door with our Oregon air rifle hunting laws and California pellet gun hunting law breakdowns.
Washington Air Rifle Caliber & Power Requirements
Here’s where the WDFW airgun small game hunting laws get practical. Washington’s airgun rules are driven far more by what species you’re after and its classification than by a single published foot-pounds-of-energy (FPE) figure. Because WDFW updates weapon and method language periodically—and because it can differ across the big game, migratory bird, and small game rule sets—treat the table below as a planning framework and confirm the exact current requirements, including any minimum caliber or velocity WDFW may specify, before you buy.
| Game Category | Airgun Legal in WA? | Commonly Referenced Requirement | Practical Caliber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare | Yes—in season | Air rifle; verify method/caliber | .22 |
| Forest grouse (ruffed, sooty, spruce) | Verify per current rules | Confirm airgun eligibility | .22 |
| Coyote (unclassified) | Yes—license typically required | Larger caliber for humane take | .22–.25 |
| Non-native eastern gray & fox squirrel | Generally yes—where huntable | Any adequate airgun | .177–.22 |
| Unprotected non-native birds (starling, sparrow, pigeon) | Yes—where legal to discharge | Any airgun | .177–.22 |
| Big game (deer, elk, bear, cougar, etc.) | No—prohibited | N/A | Firearm/muzzleloader/bow |
| Western gray squirrel, listed species | No—protected | N/A | — |
Verify before you buy: Washington does not center its airgun rules on a single published FPE minimum the way some states do, and weapon eligibility for specific small game is set in the annual regulations. Confirm the current method and caliber rules for your exact target species with WDFW before you spend money on a rifle.
If you’re new to matching caliber to energy, our air rifle FPS and energy guide explains how velocity and pellet weight combine into the FPE that actually drops game, and our .177 vs .22 caliber breakdown helps you choose between the two calibers that cover nearly all Washington small game.
FPE and Ethical Energy Minimums
Legal method is the floor, not the goal. Even where Washington publishes no species-by-species FPE number, the ethical burden is on you to deliver enough energy to the vitals for a clean, humane kill. These are widely accepted airgun-hunting energy guidelines for the species you’ll actually meet in Washington:
| Target Species | Recommended Minimum FPE | Suggested Caliber |
|---|---|---|
| Starlings, sparrows, feral pigeons | 6–12 FPE | .177–.22 |
| Non-native gray & fox squirrel | 12+ FPE | .22 |
| Cottontail rabbit | 12+ FPE | .22 |
| Snowshoe hare | 15–20+ FPE | .22 |
| Forest grouse (where legal) | 12–16+ FPE | .22 |
| Coyote (precise head/neck shot only) | 30+ FPE | .25 |
Energy on target drops with distance, so know your rifle’s real-world FPE at your shooting range—not just its muzzle number. Match your ammunition to the job with our pellet weight guide for hunting, and for where to aim once you’re in range, study our air rifle shot placement guide for ethical hunting.
What You Can Hunt With an Airgun in Washington
Rabbits & Hares: The Airgunner’s Bread and Butter
Washington’s cottontail rabbits—the common Eastern cottontail across much of the state, plus the native mountain (Nuttall’s) cottontail east of the Cascades—are classic small game and a natural fit for a flat-shooting, accurate .22 delivering 12+ FPE. In the higher country of the Cascades and northeast Washington, the snowshoe hare offers a bigger target through fall and winter. Both are hunted in season with a small game license. See our dedicated best air rifles for rabbit hunting guide for caliber and shot-placement specifics.
Forest Grouse: Verify Airgun Eligibility First
Washington’s forest grouse—ruffed, sooty, and spruce—are a beloved fall upland tradition, with seasons that typically open September 1. Some states permit air guns for grouse and some do not, and Washington sets upland weapon rules in its annual small game regulations. Confirm current airgun eligibility for forest grouse with WDFW before you head afield, and remember that migratory birds like dove and band-tailed pigeon are governed by separate federal rules that generally exclude air-gun methods.
Squirrels: Protected Natives vs. Non-Native Pests
Washington’s squirrel picture is the trap that catches out-of-state airgunners:
- Western gray squirrel is a state-listed, fully protected species in Washington. It may not be hunted with any weapon. The native Douglas squirrel (chickaree) and northern flying squirrel are likewise not open game.
- Eastern gray and eastern fox squirrels are non-native, introduced species common in and around Washington towns and farmland. These are the only squirrels you might legally target—but because they concentrate in cities and suburbs where air-gun discharge is banned, this is a rural/agricultural opportunity at best. Always confirm current status and local discharge law first.
Because of that protected-native overlap, squirrel hunting demands extra caution in Washington—positively identify your target. Our best pellet gun for squirrel hunting roundup covers the quiet, accurate .22 setups built for clean head shots.
Coyotes & Unclassified Wildlife
The coyote is classified as unclassified wildlife in Washington and can be pursued with fewer season restrictions than game species, though a hunting license is typically required—verify the current rule. Coyotes are tough, and an air rifle is a precise, close-range head/neck tool only, demanding real energy: think .25 caliber delivering 30+ FPE. This is expert-level airgun work, not a starter project.
Unprotected Non-Native Birds
A short list of non-native birds carry no protection in Washington and can be controlled with a legal airgun where local law allows discharge: European starlings, house sparrows, and feral (rock) pigeons. These invasive species damage crops, foul structures, and outcompete natives, so farmers often welcome control.
Critical bird warning: Nearly all other birds—native songbirds, hawks, owls, native doves, quail, and any game bird out of season—are protected under state law and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Even crows fall under a regulated season with set rules (our best air rifle for crow hunting guide covers that setup). Never shoot a native songbird or protected species, and confirm a bird’s status before you ever raise the rifle.
A Washington Warning: Protected Ground Squirrels & Jackrabbits
Do not assume Washington is an open varmint field like Oregon’s sage-rat country. Several small mammals that are unprotected pests elsewhere are protected or state-listed in Washington—including the Washington ground squirrel of the Columbia Basin and the white-tailed jackrabbit. Targeting a protected ground squirrel or jackrabbit here can bring the same penalties as poaching a game animal. When in doubt, identify the exact species and check its WDFW status first—this single habit keeps ethical Washington airgunners out of trouble.
Big Game: Why Washington Says No
It bears repeating because it’s the biggest misconception: you cannot hunt deer, elk, moose, bear, cougar, or any big game with an air rifle in Washington. Unlike states that now permit big-bore PCPs of .30 caliber and up for deer, Washington restricts all big game to firearms, muzzleloaders, and archery. If you’re a firearm deer hunter curious where big-bore airguns are legal, our big bore air rifles for deer hunting guide covers the states that allow it—Washington simply isn’t one of them.
Washington Small Game Season Dates (2026–2027)
Season dates are set by WDFW, can differ by region and GMU, and shift every year. Use the windows below only as a general planning guide, then confirm exact 2026–2027 dates in the current WDFW regulations:
| Species | Typical Season Window | Notes | License Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest grouse (ruffed, sooty, spruce) | Early Sept – early Jan | Verify airgun eligibility | Small game license |
| Cottontail rabbit | Fall–winter (long in areas) | Varies by region | Small game license |
| Snowshoe hare | Fall–winter | Cascades / NE Washington | Small game license |
| Coyote (unclassified) | Fewer restrictions | Statewide | License typically required* |
| Non-native gray & fox squirrel | Verify current rule | Non-native only; not native western gray | Verify* |
| Starling, sparrow, feral pigeon | Year-round (unprotected) | Statewide | Verify* + local law |
*License and season rules for unclassified and unprotected species change—confirm the current requirement, and landowner permission plus local ordinances always apply. For a seasonal to-do list, see our fall air rifle prep checklist for small-game hunters.
Licensing: What You Need to Hunt Airguns in Washington
- Washington small game hunting license (required for game). A resident or non-resident small game license is required to take small game—cottontail, snowshoe hare, and forest grouse. Buy it online through WDFW’s licensing system or at a license dealer. Start at wdfw.wa.gov/licenses.
- Hunter education certification. Washington requires hunter education for anyone born after January 1, 1972 before they can buy a license—a stricter, birthdate-based rule than many states use. First-time hunters who haven’t certified must complete the course (or a one-time deferral where offered). Verify current options with WDFW.
- Unclassified & unprotected species. For coyote and other unclassified wildlife, a license is typically required even without a set season; for unprotected non-native birds the rules can differ. Confirm the current requirement—and you always need landowner permission and legal discharge.
- No separate “airgun stamp.” There is no special airgun license in Washington; your standard small game license covers airgun small-game hunting where the method is permitted—but there’s no airgun exemption from needing a license for game species.
New to the licensing question entirely? Our do you need a hunting license for an air rifle explainer covers the fundamentals.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Shoot
Legal to hunt a species does not mean legal to shoot anywhere. Washington offers enormous public access—DNR land, National Forest, and WDFW wildlife areas—but the where trips up new airgunners constantly:
- City & county discharge ordinances. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, and countless smaller jurisdictions prohibit discharging an air gun within city limits, and King and Pierce counties add their own rules. That non-native fox squirrel in a Bellevue backyard is off-limits to shoot even if the species is huntable.
- Air guns and local law. Washington state law generally does not classify a standard air gun as a “firearm,” but municipalities regulate air-gun discharge heavily, and rules governing minors and air guns apply—so the local ordinance, not just WDFW, decides whether you can shoot.
- Landowner permission. Washington’s best rabbit, non-native squirrel, and pest-bird shooting is on private farmland. Always secure explicit permission—the farmer-shooter relationship is the backbone of Washington varmint control.
- Public land rules. Airgun small game hunting is generally allowed where hunting is otherwise permitted, but individual WDFW wildlife areas, state parks, and DNR parcels carry their own restrictions—verify per property.
Bottom line: confirm you’re on a lawful place to shoot—and have permission—before you take any shot. A quiet rifle keeps you neighborly; see the stealthy options in our best air rifles for pest control and quietest pellet rifle guides.
Best Air Rifles for Washington Hunting (2026)
Because Washington is a small game and pest-control airgun state, every pick below is a .177–.25 rifle built for rabbits, hare, non-native squirrels, coyotes, and pest birds—no big-bore deer rigs, because they aren’t legal here. Every product is a real, currently available model.
1. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen3i (.22) — Best All-Around Break Barrel (~$280)
A 10-shot, gas-piston break barrel with genuine field power and no PCP support gear to buy. Perfect for Washington rabbits and non-native squirrels straight out of the box. Check Swarm Magnum Price on Amazon
2. Hatsan 95 (.22) — Best Budget Spring Rifle (~$180)
A hard-hitting, no-frills spring-piston break barrel that delivers ethical small-game energy for the lowest buy-in. A great first air rifle for a new Washington hunter. Check Hatsan 95 Price on Amazon
3. Air Venturi Avenger (.22) — Best Value PCP (~$300)
Regulated, adjustable, and shockingly accurate for the price—the high shot count and consistency make it a dream for a busy afternoon on rabbits or pest birds. Tune it up for hare or down for quiet backyard-adjacent work. Check Avenger Price on Amazon
4. Umarex Gauntlet 2 (.25) — Best for Coyotes & Range (~$450)
The .25-caliber punch and high shot count make this the pick when precise, close-range coyote control is on the menu across Washington’s open eastern rangeland. Check Gauntlet 2 Price on Amazon
5. Benjamin Marauder (.22) — Quietest for Farmyards (~$550)
Famously stealthy, the Marauder is the go-to when you’re controlling non-native squirrels and pigeons close to structures (where local ordinance allows discharge)—ideal for Washington’s farms and orchards. Check Marauder Price on Amazon
Washington Air Rifle Comparison Table
| Rifle | Type | Caliber | Best Washington Use | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen3i | Gas-piston break barrel | .22 | Rabbits, non-native squirrels | ~$280 | Amazon |
| Hatsan 95 | Spring break barrel | .22 | Budget small game | ~$180 | Amazon |
| Air Venturi Avenger | PCP | .22 | Rabbits, pest birds, all-rounder | ~$300 | Amazon |
| Umarex Gauntlet 2 | PCP | .25 | Coyote, range | ~$450 | Amazon |
| Benjamin Marauder | PCP | .22 | Quiet farmyard work | ~$550 | Amazon |
Pair any of these with quality ammo—our best pellets for hunting guide covers the domed hunting pellets that group tightest in these rifles.
Watch: Choosing the Right Air Rifle
Before you commit, these hands-on reviews from respected airgun channels are worth your time:
- Best Inexpensive Air Rifle for Adults (Over 20 Guns Reviewed!) — Backfire
- Top 10 Best Budget PCP Air Rifles of 2026 You Can Actually Afford! — TacticalGear
- Top 4 Best Air Rifles Under $300 In 2026! — Armed And Ables
Ethical Hunting in Washington
Washington’s mix of protected natives and open non-natives puts identification at the center of ethical airgun hunting here. Positively identify every target—the difference between a legal eastern gray squirrel and a protected western gray, or a huntable cottontail and a listed jackrabbit, is on you. Air-gun energy falls off quickly, so only take shots you can place precisely: range your target, hold within your rifle’s effective energy window, match your pellet to the job, and pass on the marginal shot—every time. Know your backstop and what lies beyond it, respect the landowners who grant access, and pack out your trash. That discipline is what keeps Washington’s small-game and pest-control shooting welcome for the next airgunner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hunt with an air rifle in Washington?
Yes—for small game and certain unclassified species, but not big game. Washington permits air rifles for cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare in season, and generally for coyotes and unprotected non-native pests like eastern gray/fox squirrels, starlings, sparrows, and feral pigeons where discharge is legal. Deer, elk, bear, cougar, and other big game cannot be taken with any airgun in Washington, and the native western gray squirrel is fully protected.
What are the Washington air rifle hunting regulations for 2026?
Air rifles are a legal method for small game (rabbits, hare) and for unclassified/unprotected species, but WDFW restricts big game to firearms, muzzleloaders, and archery. You need a small game license for game species, hunter education if you were born after January 1, 1972, and you must obey local discharge ordinances. Weapon rules can vary by species and are updated annually, so confirm the current specifics at wdfw.wa.gov before you hunt.
What do WDFW airgun small game hunting laws require?
For small game like cottontail, snowshoe hare, and forest grouse, you must hold a valid Washington small game license and hunt only in the open season and area—and you should confirm airgun eligibility for each species, since upland weapon rules are set annually. A practical .22 delivering 12+ FPE covers most Washington small game ethically, but always verify WDFW’s current method and any caliber requirements first.
Can I hunt deer with an air rifle in Washington?
No. Washington does not permit any airgun for deer, elk, moose, bear, cougar, or other big game. Big game may only be taken with legal firearms, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment during the appropriate seasons. If big game is your goal, an air rifle is not a legal option in Washington.
Can I shoot squirrels with an air rifle in Washington?
Only non-native eastern gray and fox squirrels, and only where they’re legal to hunt and where discharge is allowed. The native western gray squirrel is a state-protected species and may not be hunted with any weapon, and native Douglas squirrels are likewise not open game. Because non-native squirrels concentrate in towns where air guns can’t be discharged, positive identification and a rural location are essential.
Where can I find the official Washington airgun hunting regulations?
Visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at wdfw.wa.gov and read the current-year Big Game, Migratory Waterfowl & Upland Game, and small game regulation pamphlets. Buy your license online or through a dealer, complete hunter education if you were born after January 1, 1972, and verify the classification and weapon rules for your exact target species before you hunt.
Related Guides on PelletGuns101
- Air Rifle Hunting Laws by State 2026
- Oregon Air Rifle Hunting Laws 2026: ODFW Rules Guide
- California Pellet Gun Hunting Law: What You Need To Know
- Do You Need a Hunting License for an Air Rifle?
- Best Pellet Gun for Squirrel Hunting
- Best Air Rifles for Rabbit Hunting
- Air Rifle Shot Placement Guide for Ethical Hunting
Official Washington Resources
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW): wdfw.wa.gov
- Hunting Regulations & Seasons: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations
- Licenses & Hunter Education: wdfw.wa.gov/licenses
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