Air Rifles

February 9, 2023

Question: Can I use a big-bore air rifle to hunt big game like wild pigs, deer and bears in California?

Answer: No, big-bore air rifles cannot be used for the take of big game species or migratory game birds. However, they can be used to take small game mammals and resident game birds.

The allowable “methods of take” for big game animals can be found in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 353 (opens in new tab). Air guns are not listed as an allowable method of take.

Note that air rifles are not considered “firearms” in California. Pre-charged pneumatics (PCP) big-bore air rifles use compressed air as a propellant to fire pellets.