Anyone actually using an air rifle for turkey? What are the advantages, is it distance? How far is reasonable for headshots? What caliber and is it lead free for pellets?
Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the advice!
Air Rifle for Turkey in CA
- Thread starter DragonSlayer69
- Start date
I have...The advantages are, no 150 yd rule with dwellings, barns, or outbuildings, they're pretty quiet, and can use lead...Disadvantages are, shots should be inside 20 yds (think archery), you're shooting at an eyeball that doesn't quit moving, and almost imperative to use decoys.
I used a .22 Cal Beeman with scope...At a 1000 fps, it was plenty powerful enough...If I ever do it again, I will use my PCP Umarex Gauntlet...25 Cal...More accurate, multiple shots.
Tanner with one we got out of a ground blind and 15 yd shot........
ps...I lost one a few years back and found it the next day...Quit using a pellet gun.........
TC!!! I've been known to Schwack a few in the melon with the Gamo...big birds...little hole...pretty fun. Hope your well buddy!! Get some!
I am also thinking of hunting turkey this year with a PCP rifle. I got a FX Panthera in 22 caliber about 2 years ago and have been using it to hunt quail and control the ground squirrels around the property and it has worked great. They are very accurate and consistent, I've been taking out critters out to around 60 yards using 15 grain pellets. For the quail I really liked it because I shoot them on the head without damaging any meat and I don't have to worry about the shotgun pellets when eating them.
I'll be taking my son out for his 1st Turkey hunt this spring. We will have a shotgun and a pcp air rifle (Aveng X .25). He is young and shoots the air rifle really well. I figure we will use a ground blind. If we cant get them to come in (calling and decoys) within 50yards (for the shotgun w/ TSS), then we can use the air rifle on a tripod for him. That's the plan... we'll see how it goes.
Don't body shot him dude with the pellet gun....you,ll never find him...melon shot only. Least that's what Larry told me .He knows...also..I'm not to sure you wanna shoot that pellet gun out that distance ..jus sayin...them.yard birds are tuff critters..
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"Can you elaborate more on the 150yrd rule and how using an air rifle to hunt turkeys exempts it?"
It is a bit of a gray area......
In California, pellet guns, also known as air guns or BB guns, are not considered firearms under state law, meaning they are not subject to the same regulations as firearms.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
(a) It is unlawful for any person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a safety zone.
It is a bit of a gray area......
In California, pellet guns, also known as air guns or BB guns, are not considered firearms under state law, meaning they are not subject to the same regulations as firearms.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Definition of a Firearm:
California law defines a firearm as a device designed to expel a projectile by the force of an explosion or combustion.
- Pellet Guns vs. Firearms:
Pellet guns, which use compressed air or gas to propel pellets, do not involve combustion, thus they are not classified as firearms.
- Legal Status:
Because they are not firearms, pellet guns are not subject to the same licensing, registration, or possession restrictions as firearms.
- Imitation Firearm Laws:
While owning a pellet gun is legal, displaying or exposing an imitation firearm (including pellet guns) in a public place is prohibited under California Penal Code 12556 PC.
- Use in Hunting:
While pellet guns can be used for hunting small game and resident game birds, they are not allowed for big game or migratory game birds.
- Deadly Weapon:
While pellet guns are not considered firearms, they can be considered a deadly weapon if used in a manner likely to cause death or great bodily injury.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a safety zone.
The "Deadly Weapon" part of F & W Code 3004 could be argued...I would argue shooting a pellet gun at game does not constitute possible death or injury to a human...Again, a gray area.
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Ahhh...as a young hatchet..many of Dove may or may not have fallen to the pellet gun...I may have to pay penance..and ask for
forgiveness..
forgiveness..
Yep, Matty...After the onslaught of BB and pellet guns...I graduated to my trusty single shot .22 and hunting with Grandpa.............................................
ps...Grandpa made us eat whatever we shot (My cousin and I),,,Coots, rain crows, jacks, you name it...It all went into the sauce with polenta......
"Can you elaborate more on the 150yrd rule and how using an air rifle to hunt turkeys exempts it?"
It is a bit of a gray area......
In California, pellet guns, also known as air guns or BB guns, are not considered firearms under state law, meaning they are not subject to the same regulations as firearms.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Definition of a Firearm:
California law defines a firearm as a device designed to expel a projectile by the force of an explosion or combustion.
- Pellet Guns vs. Firearms:
Pellet guns, which use compressed air or gas to propel pellets, do not involve combustion, thus they are not classified as firearms.
- Legal Status:
Because they are not firearms, pellet guns are not subject to the same licensing, registration, or possession restrictions as firearms.
- Imitation Firearm Laws:
While owning a pellet gun is legal, displaying or exposing an imitation firearm (including pellet guns) in a public place is prohibited under California Penal Code 12556 PC.
- Use in Hunting:
While pellet guns can be used for hunting small game and resident game birds, they are not allowed for big game or migratory game birds.
- Deadly Weapon:
While pellet guns are not considered firearms, they can be considered a deadly weapon if used in a manner likely to cause death or great bodily injury.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a safety zone.
The "Deadly Weapon" part of F & W Code 3004 could be argued...I would argue shooting a pellet gun at game does not constitute possible death or injury to a human...Again, a gray area.
10-4.
I was concerned with 3004 as well and the "hunting" aspect of the code which would be enforced.
Thanks
There's a lot left to interpretation....A warden would be best to ask....I've never heard of a citation written for this.........
Brian,
Can't disagree...Although, with TSS these days...The mighty 20 gauge is pretty damn lethal........
