Comments on: What caliber of air rifle pellet should I use to hunt dove?

By: hardcore waterfowler

hardcore waterfowler — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:12:41 +0000

what doves do they band im a band freak and what is the chances of getting dove band

By: Second Amendment Defender

Second Amendment Defender — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:02:48 +0000

You must use a shotgun for migratory birds.

Texas hunting annual

Doves (please report leg bands to 1-800-327-BAND): Migratory game bird stamp endorsement required to hunt any doves in any season. NOTE: There is no closed season or bag limit restrictions for Eurasian collared-doves or common pigeons (rock doves); however, it is recommended that plumage be left on these birds for identification purposes.

a shotgun is the only legal firearm for hunting migratory game birds and lesser prairie chicken (see Definitions – Legal Shotgun, pg. 69).

Legal Shotgun: Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge, fired from the shoulder, and incapable of holding more than three shells (shotguns capable of holding more than three shells must be plugged with a one-piece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so the gun’s total capacity does not exceed three shells).

By: BENJAMIN L

BENJAMIN L — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:04:32 +0000

Jkirch is right on as always! And the exception to shooting doves is that there are invasive species of doves from Europe and Asia that can be hunted with airguns, but each state has different laws! On the east coast Ive read they can be taken at anytime. Here in Calif. they can only be taken during dove season!

By: OkieRoadhunter

OkieRoadhunter — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:48:45 +0000

It is illegal to hunt doves with a pellet gun in the US, Canada, or Mexico. They are covered under a migratory bird treaty, and may only be taken with a shotgun that holds 3 or fewer shells. There are no exceptions to this.

And, JKirsch is not right. When a federal law exists, there is no reason to check state law. In no state in the USA can anyone hunt any dove at any time with a rifle, and a pellet gun is a rifle.

By: brddg1974

brddg1974 — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:26:27 +0000

NONE! I’ve had the opportunity to hunt in most of the lower 48 states and it is ILLEGAL to hunt any migratory or game bird with a rifle of any type. If there is any exception to this in the U.S. I’m not aware of it.

By: J Kirsch

J Kirsch — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:45:29 +0000

Assuming its legal to shoot dove/pigeon with an air-rifle in your state, you should use whichever one you prefer. .17, .20, .22, and .25 caliber pellets are all perfectly capable of killing dove/pigeon. Generally speaking .20 and .25 caliber are relatively rare, so you’re better off with either a .17 or .22. Again generally speaking a .17 caliber pellet will have a flatter trajectory because it usually has a higher muzzle velocity. .22 caliber will generally arrive down range with a bit more energy because of its greater weight helps with energy retention. However both calibers can deliver enough energy to kill pigeon/dove.

Honestly, I think I’d go with .17 caliber in this instance. There are more models of airguns available in it. The ammunition is significantly cheaper (300 rounds for $3 at Walmarts vs. 175 rounds for $5). The ammunition is more plentiful (lets face it stores like Walmarts stock more types of .17 caliber pellets vs. .22 caliber pellets).

@OkieRoadhunter
The Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 only covers certain species of doves/pigeons. (Looks like the list of doves protected by the treaty includes the Inca, Columbina inca, Mourning, Zenaida macroura, White-tipped, Leptotila verreauxi, White-winged, Zenaida asiatica, Zenaida, Zenaida aurita.) If a species is not on the list and airguns are a legal method of taking small game birds in your state you can shoot it with an airgun.

By: rotorhead

rotorhead — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:42:32 +0000

You better check you state and local laws.

First of all, dove are migratory game birds and have set hunting seasons. Now is not the season.

Second, many states say what is legal and illegal to use to take various types of game.

Third, you will not be shooting dove on the fly with an air rifle. Again, in most states, it’s illegal to shoot dove off the ground or power lines.

Fourth, many cities are “Bird Sanctuaries”. That means you can’t shoot anything that flies. Doesn’t matter what season it is or what you are shooting.

If caught by a game officer, you can really find yourself in serious trouble.

By: Charlie T.

Charlie T. — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:01:30 +0000

I would recommend crossman pointed pellets they kill easily and are durable

By: Will K

Will K — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:09:46 +0000

theres no gun that shoots all pellets the same.

but the most accurate air rifle in my oppinion is the gamo shadow 1000.

its a .177 caliber that fires the pellets at around 1000fps.

its a break barrel.ambidextrouse trigger safety it will take down eanything up to a medium sized dog

ps its quite and doesnt have that much recoil