Last updated July 26, 2026 · By Nick Hall. Part of our complete air rifle guide.
Air rifle hunting is one of the fastest-growing corners of the shooting sports, and for good reason: airguns are quiet, cheap to shoot, legal to use in places where firearms are not, and genuinely effective on everything from squirrels to, with the right big-bore, deer. This guide covers what you can hunt with an air rifle, how much power you need, and how to do it ethically.
Quick Answer: Air rifles can ethically take small game (squirrels, rabbits, pests) with about 12+ FPE, larger small game and predators with a 20-30 FPE .22 or .25 PCP, and deer or hogs with a big-bore airgun making 100+ FPE in .30 caliber or larger. Accuracy and shot placement matter as much as power. Always confirm your state allows airgun hunting for your target species.
What Can You Hunt With an Air Rifle?
- Small game & pests (squirrels, rabbits, rats, pigeons): the classic airgun quarry. A .177 or .22 making 12+ FPE is plenty at sensible ranges.
- Larger small game & predators (raccoons, groundhogs, fox at close range): step up to a .22 or .25 PCP making 20-40 FPE for reliable knockdown.
- Deer & hogs: only with a big-bore airgun (.30 caliber and up) making enough energy, and only where the law allows. See our best big-bore airguns guide.
- Turkey & predators: some states allow airgun hunting for turkey and predators with specific caliber and energy rules, check your regulations.
How Much Energy (FPE) You Need
Foot-pounds of energy (FPE) is the standard measure of airgun power and the best predictor of what a rifle can ethically take. The widely accepted rule of thumb: 12 FPE minimum for small game, 20-30 FPE for comfortable small-game and pest work, 30-45 FPE (.25) for bigger small game, and 100+ FPE from a big-bore for deer-sized animals. Remember that energy drops with distance, so know your rifle’s energy at your actual shooting range, not just at the muzzle. Match your caliber to the job with our .177 vs .22 vs .25 guide.
Shot Placement Is Everything
Airguns kill by precise shot placement, not by the massive energy dump of a centerfire rifle, so accuracy is non-negotiable. For small game, the head shot is the gold standard for a quick, humane kill; a heart-lung shot works when a head shot is not available and you have enough energy. Practice until you can consistently group inside a small target at your hunting distance, and pass on shots you are not confident in. A quiet, accurate PCP like those in our best hunting air rifles guide makes this far easier.
Check the Law First
Airgun hunting legality varies enormously by state and species. Many states allow it for small game and a growing number permit big-bore airgun hunting for deer and hogs, often with minimum caliber and energy requirements. Always read your state wildlife agency’s current rules before you hunt, and confirm any local restrictions on discharging an airgun. Our air rifle laws overview explains the framework.
Air Rifle Hunting FAQ
What can you hunt with an air rifle?
Air rifles can take small game and pests like squirrels, rabbits, rats and pigeons with 12+ FPE, larger small game and predators with a 20-40 FPE .22 or .25 PCP, and deer or hogs with a big-bore airgun making 100+ FPE, where the law allows.
How much FPE do you need to hunt with an air rifle?
About 12 foot-pounds of energy is the accepted minimum for small game, 20-30 FPE is comfortable for small game and predators, and 100 FPE or more from a big-bore is needed for deer-sized animals. Energy drops with distance, so know your rifle's energy at your shooting range.
Can you hunt deer with an air rifle?
Yes, with a big-bore airgun in .30 caliber or larger making enough energy, and only where the law allows. Many states now permit big-bore airgun hunting for deer and hogs with minimum caliber and energy requirements.
Where should you aim when hunting with an air rifle?
Because airguns rely on precise placement rather than massive energy, the head shot is the gold standard for a quick, humane kill on small game. A heart-lung shot works when you have enough energy and a head shot is not available.
What is the best air rifle for hunting?
For most hunters a quiet, accurate .22 or .25 PCP like the Benjamin Marauder is the best hunting air rifle. For deer and hogs you need a big-bore. See our best air rifles for hunting and best big-bore airguns guides.
Is hunting with an air rifle humane?
Yes, when you match adequate energy to the game and place your shot precisely. Airgun hunting demands accuracy and restraint: use enough FPE for the animal, practice until you group tightly at your range, and pass on shots you are not confident in.
Ready to gear up? See our best air rifles for hunting and best big-bore airguns guides, and dial in your rifle with how to sight in an air rifle.
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