If you’ve recently picked up an air rifle and are keen to try your hand at pest control, you’re in good company. Many shooters in the UK use air rifles for managing small pests, keeping populations under control while respecting the environment and wildlife. In this guide, we’ll explore what pests you can legally shoot with a sub-12 ft/lb air rifle (no licence required), how to lure them in, and how to dispatch them humanely.
What Can You Legally Shoot?
The UK has strict wildlife laws, so it’s crucial to know which species are fair game. The general rule is that only certain pests—those considered harmful to agriculture, property, or native wildlife—can be legally controlled. Here’s a breakdown of the main targets:
1. Grey Squirrels (Sciurus Carolinensis)
- Identification: Grey fur with a white underbelly, bushy tail, and larger size compared to native red squirrels. Typically found in woodlands, parks, and gardens.
- Why Shoot Them? Grey squirrels are an invasive species that outcompete native red squirrels. They also cause damage to trees and can be a nuisance in gardens and lofts.
- Baiting & Luring: Peanuts and sunflower seeds work well. A simple bait station can encourage them into a safe shooting zone.
- Humane Dispatch: A headshot is essential for an instant, humane kill. Aim for the brain just behind the eye.
2. Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)
- Identification: Small to medium-sized mammals with long ears, powerful hind legs, and brown-grey fur. Often found in open fields and woodland edges.
- Why Shoot Them? Rabbits breed rapidly and can cause serious damage to crops and gardens.
- Baiting & Luring: Natural grazing spots are best. Normally bait isn’t required but if you must bait, fresh vegetables or hay can work.
- Humane Dispatch: A clean headshot or a heart-lung shot is recommended. Avoid shooting from angles that may lead to wounding.
3. Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)
- Identification: Brown or grey fur, scaly tail, and a pointed snout. Typically found around buildings, farms, and waterways.
- Why Shoot Them? Rats spread disease, damage property, and compete with native species.
- Baiting & Luring: Peanut butter, bacon grease, or grain-based baits can attract them into a shooting zone.
- Humane Dispatch: A shot to the head ensures a quick and humane kill. Be mindful of backstops as rats are often near buildings.
4. Corvids (Crows, Magpies, and Jackdaws)
- Identification:
- Crows: Large black birds with an intelligent and cautious nature.
- Magpies: Black and white plumage with a long tail and a chattering call.
- Jackdaws: Smaller than crows with grey heads and pale blue eyes.
- Why Shoot Them? Corvids predate on songbird nests and can be aggressive around livestock.
- Baiting & Luring: Decoys and calls work best. Be aware, corvids are very smart and cannot be tricked easily.
- Humane Dispatch: A head or chest shot will drop them effectively. Be aware of legal restrictions—make sure you have permission to control them.
5. Woodpigeons (Columba Palumbus)
- Identification: Large grey bird with a distinctive white neck patch and white wing bars visible in flight.
- Why Shoot Them? They are a major agricultural pest, causing extensive damage to crops.
- Baiting & Luring: Decoying is very effective. Scatter grain or use pigeon decoys in a known feeding area.
- Humane Dispatch: A headshot is ideal, but a well-placed chest shot will also work.
6. Feral Pigeons (Columba Livia Domestica)
- Identification: Variable plumage but often blue-grey with iridescent neck feathers. Found in urban areas and farm buildings.
- Why Shoot Them? Feral pigeons are often seen as pests in urban areas, where they spread disease and cause damage to buildings.
- Baiting & Luring: Similar to woodpigeons—grain or decoys work well.
- Humane Dispatch: Again, head or chest shots are the most effective.
Techniques for a Successful and Ethical Hunt
Now that we know what we can legally shoot, let’s look at some effective methods to ensure an ethical and efficient pest control session.
1. Choosing the Right Pellets
For a sub-12 ft/lb air rifle, domed or hollow-point pellets are the best choice. They provide accuracy and enough stopping power for a humane kill.
2. Using the Right Scope
A good-quality scope will help with shot placement, especially for smaller targets. A 3-9×40 or similar magnification is a great all-round option.
3. Shooting from a Rested Position
Accuracy is key to humane pest control. Using a bipod or shooting sticks can improve your stability and shot consistency.
4. Understanding Shooting Ranges
A sub-12 ft/lb air rifle is most effective within 30-40 yards. Beyond this, accuracy and pellet energy drop significantly. Know your limits!
5. Checking Your Shot Placement
Always aim for a clean kill. If an animal is wounded, a follow-up shot should be taken immediately to dispatch it humanely.
6. Legal Considerations
- You must have permission from the landowner to shoot on private land.
- Avoid shooting near roads or public footpaths.
- Always follow UK airgun laws, including safe transportation and storage of your rifle.
- If shooting birds, make sure you comply with the General Licence regulations from Natural England or your local wildlife authority.
Final Thoughts
Pest control with air rifles can be a rewarding and responsible activity if done ethically and legally. Always prioritise humane kills, know your quarry, and respect the land you shoot on. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll improve your skills while helping to manage pest populations effectively.
Remember, airgun hunting is a skill that takes time to master. Practicing on paper targets before taking live shots ensures that you can consistently place accurate and humane shots. Always check local regulations before heading out, and if you’re new to the sport, consider joining an airgun club to meet experienced shooters who can provide valuable advice.
Additionally, pest control should always be conducted with respect for nature. While these animals may be pests, they still deserve to be treated with dignity. If you hunt, do so with a purpose—whether it’s protecting crops, managing populations, or sourcing sustainable food. Ethical shooting is not just about making the shot but also about knowing when not to take one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a licence for a sub-12 ft/lb air rifle?
A: No, in the UK, you do not need a licence to own and use an air rifle that produces under 12 ft/lb of muzzle energy. However, you must still comply with all airgun laws, including shooting only on land where you have permission and ensuring safe storage. If you own an air pistol under 6 ft/lb, similar rules apply. For any rifle exceeding 12 ft/lb, you must apply for a Firearm Certificate (FAC), which has much stricter regulations.
Q: Can I shoot in my garden?
A: Yes, you can legally shoot in your own garden, but strict rules apply. You must ensure that pellets do not leave your property boundary, as this is considered an offence. Additionally, you must ensure that your shooting does not endanger anyone or cause unnecessary distress. A suitable backstop, such as a thick wooden board or pellet trap, is essential to prevent ricochets or stray shots from leaving your garden.
Q: What is the best calibre for pest control?
A: Both .177 and .22 calibres are effective for pest control, but they have different advantages. .177 has a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, making it easier to shoot accurately at longer distances. .22, on the other hand, delivers more impact energy, which can be beneficial for dispatching pests more effectively. Ultimately, shot placement is more important than calibre—either will work if you can consistently make accurate, humane shots.
Q: Is there a best time of day for pest control?
A: Yes, different pests are more active at specific times. Grey squirrels and rabbits are most active during early morning and late afternoon, while rats are more commonly seen at night. Woodpigeons and corvids tend to move during the day, especially around feeding times. Choosing the right time to shoot will improve your chances of success and ensure that you are not disturbing other wildlife unnecessarily.
Q: What happens if I wound an animal?
A: Wounding an animal is an unfortunate reality that can happen, even to experienced shooters. If you wound a pest, it is your ethical responsibility to dispatch it as quickly and humanely as possible. Always have a follow-up shot ready and ensure that your marksmanship is practiced regularly to reduce the risk of wounding. If a shot is uncertain, it’s better to wait for a clearer opportunity than to take a risky or rushed shot.
If you want to shop Pest Control kits, check out our webstore