Pellet gun for hunting Grouse?

[KodiakHntr]

That "what would you be charged with" aspect is exactly it. Nothing to be charged with, so no worries on being charged.

[BCHunterTV]

Hello Danny,
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Thank you for your email dated November 8, 2013, regarding the legalities of using pellet guns and other weapons for the purpose of hunting in BC. Your enquiry has been forwarded to me for response. My apologies for the delay.
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The response you previously read is likely as follow:
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*********** The Wildlife Act definition of “firearm” is:
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"firearm"*includes a rifle, shotgun, handgun or spring gun and any device that propels a projectile by means of an explosion, compressed gas or spring but does not include a bow;
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Pellet guns, BB guns, and paintball guns all meet the definition of “firearm”; propel a projectile by means of compressed gas.
*
The Wildlife Act definition of “hunt” is:
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"hunt"*includes shooting at, attracting, searching for, chasing, pursuing, following after or on the trail of, stalking or lying in wait for wildlife, or attempting to do any of those things, whether or not the wildlife is then or subsequently wounded, killed or captured,
(a)*with intention to capture the wildlife, or
(b)*while in possession of a firearm or other weapon;
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*********** The possession of a pellet/bb/paintball gun (firearm) or slingshot (other weapon) while meeting the definition above is considered hunting and can only be done in compliance with hunting regulations in the province.
There are currently no prohibitions on the use of air guns to hunt upland game birds/small game in British Columbia. *There are no restrictions on velocity/ammunition requirements. However, note that it is an offence to hunt with a with a firearm that is designed, altered or intended to be aimed and fired by the action of one hand or that has a barrel less than 305 mm in length.
While it is not prohibited to hunt with an air gun, please be advised that it is an offence to injure wildlife and fail to make every reasonable effort to retrieve the wildlife and kill it. Considering the limited killing ability and range of air guns it is possible that possession of only an air gun to kill wounded wildlife would be inadequate to meet the standards of “every reasonable effort” to retrieve and kill a wounded animal. It is possible that it would be an offence to wound game with an air gun and not be able to kill the wounded animal and retrieve the meat. Also note that it is an offence to hunt with a firearm that is designed to be shot with one hand (i.e. a hand gun), regardless of the caliber.
Ethics play a large role in the hunter’s decision to hunt with a pellet gun. The hunter should consider whether the method being used is an effective and humane way to harvest an animal, and that the potential for wounding loss or unnecessary suffering is minimized. Hunting big game with an air gun is not recommended, besides the fact that it could be considered an offence if the hunter is unable to track and kill the wounded animal with that weapon, most air guns do not have the power to ethically and humanely kill an animal. It is highly recommended that if you are hunting with an air rifle that you also carry a rim fire or center fire rifle in the case that a wounded animal needs to be tracked and killed.
*********** In response to your specific enquiry, there are no prohibitions on the use of a pellet gun capable of shooting 1500fps or more to hunt lynx or bobcat, however the caveats noted above still apply.
Regards,
*Stephen MacIver|Policy & Regulations Analyst|Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Branch|Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations|Phone (250) 387-9767|Email: stephen.maciver@gov.bc.ca

[BraveKnight]

In the hunting regulations and core manual it states no hunting with hand guns

[Singleshotneeded]

I just heard of a guy yesterday that was pinched for shooting grouse with a pellet gun here on the Island. Not sure what the fine if any was. Perhaps a warning but apparently the CO was less than impressed.

He must have been using a pellet air pistol...
I've heard the stronger .25 caliber air rifles with heavy pellets can be used for small cats and coyotes...

[BCHunterTV]

I've heard the stronger .25 caliber air rifles with heavy pellets can be used for small cats and coyotes...

While it is not prohibited to hunt with an air gun, please be advised that it is an offence to injure wildlife and fail to make every reasonable effort to retrieve the wildlife and kill it.

[Alec]

The comment re use of the pellet gun on 'big game' would be a violation because it is not a "center fire" rifle as per page 16 of the current regulations.

[eaglesnester]

Well U can kill a grouse with a hand full o rocks, like Jeremiah Johnson's wife did.

Cheers and Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester

Did the indians put U here? "twerent Mormans"

[eaglesnester]

If your air rifle is designated as a firearm (over 500 FPS MV) and requires a pal to own, carry, and shoot U should be OK.

[BCHunterTV]

If your air rifle is designated as a firearm (over 500 FPS MV) and requires a pal to own, carry, and shoot U should be OK.

any pellet gun is ok

[BCHunterTV]

The comment re use of the pellet gun on 'big game' would be a violation because it is not a "center fire" rifle as per page 16 of the current regulations.

Bobcat, Lynx and Wolverine are Big Game no? you can use rimfire for them....