If you are looking for a new way to enjoy hunting in Texas, you might want to consider using an air rifle. Air rifles are firearms that use compressed air or gas to propel pellets or bullets at high speeds. They are quieter, cheaper, and easier to maintain than traditional firearms, and they can offer a challenging and rewarding hunting experience.
However, before you grab your air rifle and head to the field, you need to know the legal regulations and ethical considerations of hunting with an air rifle in Texas. Not all species are legal to hunt with an air rifle, and not all air rifles are suitable for hunting. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the laws and best practices for air rifle hunting in Texas.
What Species Can You Hunt with an Air Rifle in Texas?
According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), you can hunt the following species with an air rifle in Texas:
- Aoudad Sheep
- Armadillo
- Axis Deer
- Badger
- Beaver
- Bobcat
- Cottontail Rabbit
- Coyote
- Crow
- Blackbuck Antelope
- Eurasian Collard Dove
- Fallow Deer
- Feral Hogs
- Feral Rock Dove
- Fox
- Frogs
- Mountain Lion
- Muskrat
- Nilgai Antelope
- Nutria
- Opossum
- Otter
- Porcupine
- Prairie Dog
- Raccoon
- Ringtailed Cat
- Russian Boar
- Sika Deer
- Sparrow
- Squirrel (Must be greater than 600 feet per second)
- Flying Squirrel
- Ground Squirrel
- Starlings
- Turtle
These are considered non-game animals, furbearers, squirrels, and non-migratory game birds (except Eastern Turkey), and they can be hunted year-round without a bag limit.
However, there are some restrictions on what kind of air rifle you can use to hunt these species. For alligators, bighorn sheep, javelina, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and turkey (except Eastern Turkey), you can only use a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle or arrow gun. A PCP air rifle or arrow gun is one that uses a separate source of compressed air or gas to power the projectile. For these species, the PCP air rifle must fire a projectile of at least 30 caliber in diameter and at least 150 grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least 215 foot pounds of energy. The PCP arrow gun must conform to the same standards for projectiles for archery.
For squirrels, pheasant, quail, and chachalaca, you can use any air rifle that fires a projectile of at least .177 caliber (4.5mm) in diameter producing a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second.
You cannot use an arrow gun to hunt deer or turkey during archery season.
Gamo 6110017154 Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black
Amazon.com
Features
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1250.00 ft/sec
- Spring-piston
- Includes 4x32 scope & mount
- Steel barrel with fluted polymer jacket
Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle, .22 Caliber,Black
Features
- 10-SHOT REPEATER: This rifle uses a 10-shot rotary magazine that automatically loads a pellet every time you break the barrel.
- IGT GAS PISTON: The Inert Gas Technology piston replaces the traditional metal spring. This results in higher speeds, less vibration during the shot, and a smoother cocking effort that stays reliable in cold weather.
- WHISPER SOUND SUPPRESSION: The barrel is equipped with an integrated noise dampener. This system reduces the muzzle blast to keep the rifle quiet during backyard target practice.
- COMPLETE OPTICS PACKAGE: Every rifle comes with a 4x32 shockproof scope and mounts that attach to the 11mm dovetail rail. The stock features a rubber recoil pad to absorb shock and protect the optics.
- LEADER SINCE 1889: Founded from a lead production legacy, Gamo introduced its first airguns in 1961 and expanded worldwide. Today, Gamo is Europe’s largest airgun maker and the world’s largest pellet manufacturer, sold in 50+ countries.
Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .177 Caliber Break Barrel Air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet Air Gun. 1,300 FPS Velocity
Features
- INERTIA FED 10X GEN3i: This magazine uses the rifle's recoil to set up the next shot. Its horizontal, inertia-fed layout keeps the profile low and makes sure each round loads smoothly.
- 1300 FPS VELOCITY: With the IGT gas piston, this .177 caliber air rifle can reach speeds of 1300 fps with alloy pellets. The gas piston means you don’t have to worry about spring wear and you get a smoother shot every time.
- WHISPER FUSION SUPPRESSION: Gamo’s quietest noise reduction tech is built in here. The dual sound moderator works by trapping noise in two chambers, so your shots stay quiet.
- OPTICS & PROTECTION: Comes with a 3-9x40 scope on a Recoil Reducing Rail (RRR). The RRR uses polymer struts to soak up all the shock, keeping your scope safe and working right.
- LEADER SINCE 1889: Founded from a lead production legacy, Gamo introduced its first airguns in 1961 and expanded worldwide. Today, Gamo is Europe’s largest airgun maker and the world’s largest pellet manufacturer, sold in 50+ countries.
Gamo WildCat Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal , Black
Features
- FAST 1300 FPS SPEEDS: this .177 caliber rifle can shoot up to 1300 feet per second with alloy pellets. The IGT gas piston keeps every shot strong and gives you a smooth, easy cocking action with way less kick than a spring.
- QUIET SHOTS: The barrel has a built-in noise dampener right at the tip, cutting down on loud blasts. It’s quiet enough for backyard plinking without annoying the neighbors.
- BUILT FOR ANY WEATHER: The ambidextrous stock is made from the same tough material as luxury cars in Europe. It’s lightweight, super durable, and helps you line up your shot perfectly with the scope.
- DURABLE SCOPE INCLUDED: Comes with a Gamo 4x32 scope and mounts. The scope is made to handle the kick from the gas piston, so you can spot and hit even tiny targets from far away.
- LEADER SINCE 1889: Founded from a lead production legacy, Gamo introduced its first airguns in 1961 and expanded worldwide. Today, Gamo is Europe’s largest airgun maker and the world’s largest pellet manufacturer, sold in 50+ countries.
Gamo 6110068754 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle, .177 Caliber,Black
Features
- 10-SHOT REPEATER: The 10X Quick Shot system lets you shoot up to 10 pellets in a row without stopping to reload each one. Just cock the barrel, and you’re ready for the next shot.
- 1300 FPS PERFORMANCE: This .177 caliber air rifle can fire alloy pellets at speeds up to 1300 fps with alloy pellets. The gas piston gives you smoother shooting and more reliable power than a regular spring.
- WHISPER NOISE DAMPENING: The barrel has a built-in sound moderator to keep things nice and quiet when you shoot. Great for practicing in the backyard.
- OPTICS & TRIGGER: Comes with a 4x32 scope for better aiming and a trigger with an adjustable second stage. The synthetic stock even has a rubber pad on the end to help absorb recoil and keep things comfortable.
- LEADER SINCE 1889: Founded from a lead production legacy, Gamo introduced its first airguns in 1961 and expanded worldwide. Today, Gamo is Europe’s largest airgun maker and the world’s largest pellet manufacturer, sold in 50+ countries.
Gamo Swarm Fusion 10X GEN3i Inertia Fed .22 Caliber Break Barrel air Rifle. High Power 10-Shot Pellet air Gun. 1,000 fps Velocity.
Features
- INERTIA FED RELOADING: The GEN3i magazine uses the rifle’s own recoil to move the next pellet into place. Its low-profile, horizontal setup makes for a smoother and more reliable loading experience.
- IGT GAS PISTON: Thanks to Inert Gas Technology, this rifle shoots .22 caliber pellets at up to 1000 fps. The gas piston cuts down on vibration and gives you more steady power than old-school springs
- WHISPER FUSION TECHNOLOGY: Gamo’s quietest noise-reducing system, the double sound moderator, uses two chambers to keep things extra quiet by controlling the air as you shoot.
- CAT TRIGGER & RRR: The Custom Action Trigger lets you adjust each stage separately for a custom feel. The Recoil Reducing Rail helps absorb shock to keep the included 3-9x40 scope safe and steady.
- LEADER SINCE 1889: Founded from a lead production legacy, Gamo introduced its first airguns in 1961 and expanded worldwide. Today, Gamo is Europe’s largest airgun maker and the world’s largest pellet manufacturer, sold in 50+ countries.
Gamo Swarm Maxxim G2 .22 Cal Multi-Shot Pellet Rifle
Features
- NITRO PISTON: Uses a gas piston instead of a spring to reduce recoil and lower the noise by 70%.
- IGT GAS PISTON: Uses a gas piston instead of a spring to cut down on vibration and keep cocking smoother.
- WHISPER MAXXIM: Built‑in sound reduction helps keep firing quieter.
- SCOPE + RRR RAIL: Includes a 3‑9x40 scope and an 11mm RRR rail made to help protect optics.
- LEADER SINCE 1889: Founded from a lead production legacy, Gamo introduced its first airguns in 1961 and expanded worldwide. Today, Gamo is Europe’s largest airgun maker and the world’s largest pellet manufacturer, sold in 50+ countries.
