Hunting with Airguns?
Airguns are not a new invention of the modern era. In fact, the first prototype airguns were first devised in the Middle Ages. The concept of using compressed air to fire metal slugs was a much cheaper alternative to using gunpowder based firearms.
However, the early form of airguns had limited potential for military use other than use as sniper weapons. This is what undermined their popularity although they were used over the years in other capacities. One of the most popular uses of airguns has been hunting. Actually, airguns are stilled used by many for hunting even to this day.
While some may assume that only traditional hunting rifles and firearms are used for hunting, airgun hunting is popular among a number of outdoors aficionados.
There are differences between hunting with a traditional firearms and airguns, but the differences are not as pronounced as some would assume. This is even more particular true when discussing hunting options for small game. But, in terms of the general tactics used for successful hunting, there really are very few differences.
This is why hunting with airguns is popular among a segment of the hunting public. After all, if one could not successfully hunt with this particular type of weapon, then the popularity in airguns would wane rather quickly. Considering that hunting with airguns has been popular for 400+ years, one can say it is definitely a practical method of hunting.
It is important to point out here that when hunting with airguns, it is critical to purchase an airgun that has been specifically designed for hunting. Some airguns are designed for target shooting and not for hunting. This means they will not be powerful enough to deliver a quick and clean kill.
When you are hunting with an airgun, you will want to kill your prey with the first shot. There is nothing crueler than wounding an animal only to see it painfully bleed to death at a later time. So, in order to avoid such a problematic scenario, it would be much wiser to purchase an airgun devised for the specific purpose of hunting.
Thankfully, there are many of these guns available in the marketplace to choose from so will can always a reliable weapon that delivers on what it promises it can do.
Of course, it would be best to stick with small game hunting when using an airgun. Rabbits are probably the most popular prey for airgun fans. Other small game one can hunt for include squirrels, some birds, and even groundhogs.
This type of gun is also helpful when dealing with rodents since it can effectively and painlessly deal with pests in a humane manner.
It is also wise to very high powered airguns for larger game animals since smaller guns will lack the effectiveness of a real firearm against a large target.
Also, wounding a large animal without dropping it will probably enrage the animal. This could lead to a potentially serious situation best avoided by those that enjoy hunting in safety. If you use big bore style airguns, you can effectively hunt deer, wild boar and other large animals in an effective manner.
Some may wonder what the legal issues surrounding airgun hunting may be. This is a difficult question to answer because hunting is regulated on the state level.
So, in 50 different states, there will be completely different rules and regulations surrounding airgun hunting on public land.
On private land, however, the legal issues surrounding airgun hunting will be much more lax. This is because a landowner has more rights on his own property than he would on publicly owned property that is essentially completely under the jurisdiction of the state.
When it comes to purchasing a quality airgun, it is best to stick with those manufacturers that have long since established their reliability. Three of the more popular airgun manufacturers are Crosman (Probably the most famous and popular of all airgun manufacturers), Walther, and Beeman.
These companies have produced a great many excellent airguns over the years and they is why they remain so highly recommended. Of course, there are many other manufacturers that can produce excellent airguns so you need not be limited to these three. However, it will be pretty tough to find a company that can make better airguns than Crosman.
Yes, the world of airgun hunting is an exciting one. It adds more challenges to traditional hunting than many would assume. So, those looking for a new spin on traditionally hunting would definitely enjoy trying this variant out.
