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When hunting, your ammunition will be determined by the game you are going after. From small game to large game, they each need a certain amount of force. So, before you get started, here's how we define each game size:
Small game refers to animals under 20 lbs, such as birds, rabbits, and prairie dogs. Animals under 2 lbs require a minimum of 8 foot-pounds of energy to take, while those between 2-20 lbs require at least 10 foot-pounds of energy.
Medium game refers to animals from 20-75 lbs. Most animals in the size range are predators, though a few game animals fit the medium game category. Those weighing 20-35 lbs require 35-50 foot-pounds of energy to kill, and those weighing 50-75 lbs require 80-100 foot-pounds of energy.
Large game refers to animals over 75 lbs. Animals weighing up to 500 lbs require 150-250 foot-pounds of energy to kill. While animals around 1000 lbs or more require 500-700 foot-pounds of energy to kill.
Whether you're airgun hunting or bow hunting, match your tool and ammunition to the size of your game.
Traditionally, airgun hunting was centered around small game, but with the development of more powerful air guns and ammunition, the range of targets has expanded to include large game such as bear and buffalo. Each game category has its own caliber and power requirements. So be sure to get an air rifle that has the power to take your chosen game.
Rifles that work well for small game hunting have multi-pump, spring or gas piston, or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) powerplants.
Animals with small bones weighing less than 2 lbs can be taken with a .177 caliber pellet from an airgun that can produce at least 8 foot-pounds of energy. This would include quail, dove, pigeon, and grouse. The best shot placement for this type of game would be the head to minimize damage to the meat.
Small game with heavier bones and weighing 2-20 lbs, like squirrel, prairie dog, pheasant, rabbit, hare, groundhog, and turkey, should be taken with at least a .22 caliber pellet from an airgun that can produce at least 10 foot-pounds of energy. These animals can be shot in the heart but should be shot in the head to minimize damage to their meat.
Each powerplant has its advantages and disadvantages. A multi-pump is best used when hunting within 30 yards. They are often lightweight, low-priced, easy to use, and widely available, but are less powerful than other power plants.
A spring piston or gas piston has a range of up to 50 yards. These rifles offer more power than a pump gun and do not require any external air source, making them an ideal entry into small game hunting. Some may be difficult to cock, but they can be used for hunting in many locations.
PCP small game hunting rifles have a range up to 75 yards but can push to over 100 yards with more powerful models. These rifles will offer more power but require an external air source and can only be used for hunting in select states.
The recommended calibers for hunting small game are .177 or .22 caliber. A .177 caliber pellet will leave a small hole in the target, minimizing damage to the meat, but it only works well on very small animals. And a .22 caliber pellet is harder hitting than .177 and can take larger game but leaves a larger hole in the target.
To take medium game effectively requires more power than springer or multi-pump rifles can produce. So, the only powerplant option when you go after larger game would be PCP.
Predators, like foxes, bobcats, and coyotes, weighing 20-35 lbs should be taken out with a .25 caliber or larger pellet from an air rifle that produces at least 50 foot-pounds of energy.
Game animals around 50-75 lbs, like javelina, small feral hogs, small antelope, and small deer, should be shot in the heart or brain with a .30 caliber or larger pellet from an air rifle that produces at least 100 foot-pounds of energy.
Once you get into medium-sized animals, the power needed to kill them goes up, and the only airguns that are rated for that power are PCP models. The best effective range is up to 75 yards. Remember, these rifles need an external air source to refill them after several shots.
The recommended calibers for hunting medium game are .25 or .30, but you can't go wrong using larger calibers. A .25 caliber pellet takes the animal without leaving a large hole or being overpowered, but it is not powerful enough for larger animals. A .30 caliber pellet can take animals up to 75 lbs. Correct placement won't ruin the meat. It is powerful enough to take out nearly all pests and predators. But, needs to be more powerful to take large game. Once your cross-over critters get too big, you'll need to upgrade your airgun.
Too much power really isn't a concern with predators as much as it is game. With game, you want to use the power to get the job done without making a mess of the animal. You want the meat to be clean with very few holes and have little contact with lead.
For large game, the power of your air rifle will be more important than the caliber of pellet you use, though the weight of the pellet along with its size and the velocity at which it's shot, will determine the punch it will pack. At this level, consider using slugs rather than pellets. Slugs have a better ballistic coefficient, allowing them to travel with a flatter trajectory and faster velocity.
Animals weighing 75-250 lbs, like feral hogs, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, should be taken with a .357 caliber or larger pellet/slug from an air rifle that produces at least 250 foot-pounds of energy. Their target zone is the heart/lungs.
Game over 250 lbs, like elk and large antelope, should be taken with a .45 caliber or larger pellet/slug from an air rifle that produces at least 500 foot-pounds of energy. Their target zone is the heart/lung area.
Those weighing over 500 lbs, like moose or bison, should be taken with a .50 caliber or larger slug from an air rifle that produces more than 500 foot-pounds of energy. Their target zone is the heart/lung area.
Pre-charged pneumatic rifles are the most powerful powerplant in airguns. Big Bore PCPs can produce upwards of 800 foot-pounds of energy, but it's important to select the right caliber and power output for your needs. When it comes to big game, typically bigger is better, meaning a larger caliber and more powerful rifle will be what you want. Always pick the airgun with the power you need for the job at hand. And it is recommended that you stay within 100 yards of your quarry for the best performance.
Typically, big-bore PCPs only get a few shots per fill before needing to be topped off. While you may not need to carry a spare tank in your pack, it's a good idea to keep a spare tank or portable compressor at camp or in your vehicle in case you need a refill.
The recommended calibers for hunting large game are .357, .45, or .50 caliber. A .357 caliber pellet is recommended for game 75-250 lbs. This caliber has more pellets, weights, and styles available than larger pellets, but many .357 caliber airguns come unregulated, giving you fewer shots per fill than a regulated air rifle. A .45 caliber pellet is recommended for game 250-500 lbs. It packs a bigger punch than smaller caliber ammo. However, less ammo is available for purchase and comes in smaller boxes. And a .50 caliber pellet is recommended for game over 500 lbs. It can take nearly any game animal with 650 foot-pounds of energy or more using a heavy grain pellet.
The hunting map gives a state-by-state view of the available game.
These blog posts give you some tips and tricks to get you through the season successfully:
For small game hunting, it's generally recommended that your bow produce 200 FPS. Some popular head choices are the blunt head, field point, or broadhead with a small cutting diameter. They are less likely to result in an exit wound. Blunt heads can knock small game off their feet, and the sharp blades of a broadhead can deliver a quick kill. A good head weight for small game is around 100 grains.
Many small game animals are hunted on the ground, which can damage arrows. Stiff-spined arrows made of durable materials will handle the rigors of ground penetration without too much damage.
It's important to remember that proper shot placement is also vital in hunting. Practice your aim and shooting skills frequently for the best results.
The average modern hunting arrow (with tip, shaft, insert, nock, and fletching) weighs 350-400 grains. At 400 grains, even a 200 FPS bow is enough to take all game under 500 lbs.
For small game, accuracy is more important than arrow speed. Small game only requires around 10 foot-pounds of energy to take, so even using a bow that shoots at 150 FPS with an arrow weighing 200 grains is enough to take small game when you hit it in the right spot.
Field points or small game heads take the game without damaging it too much. Most heads weigh 100 grains and should be used with arrows that weigh 100 grains or more.
For medium game, it's generally recommended to use a bow that can achieve a minimum of 200 FPS. Your broadhead selection will depend on your personal preferences but should weigh 100-125 grains. A fixed-blade broadhead is typically suggested for greater reliability and penetration. However, mechanical or expandable broadheads are also popular due to their aerodynamics and large cutting blades.
Medium game can have tough hides. You'll want a broadhead that is razor sharp to cut on contact and create a large wound channel.
A bow reaching 200 FPS or more will have the power to take medium-sized game and predators with good shot placement.
Hitting their vital organs with a large cutting blade will cause a massive hemorrhage. An arrow weight of 300-400 grains with a broadhead is recommended.
Large game hunting requires a bow with more power. Using a bow that can achieve 250 fps or more is recommended. You'll need a durable broadhead with a large cutting diameter. 100-grain broadheads may do the job well, but heavier broadheads, 125-150 grains, may have a greater impact and provide deeper penetration.
A faster arrow speed and heavier broadhead help you cut through the mass of large game. Fixed broadheads are often preferred for their durability and penetration capabilities. Look for models with a cutting diameter from 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
Bows with heavier draw weights that can produce 250 FPS or more are recommended for animals over 500 lbs. This helps with deeper penetration.
Arrows with a heavier grain weight and bows with higher draw weights produce more kinetic energy, which is needed to cut through the tougher hides of larger game.
These guides show you the best equipment available to help you achieve bowhunting success:
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