Pennsylvania Bill Would Legalize Deer Hunting With Air Rifles

Pennsylvania hunters may be able to use air rifles for big game hunting if Bill 1538 passes. (Photo by Bill Konway)

A Pennsylvania state representative has proposed legalizing air rifles for big game hunting in the Keystone State. On June 2, Rep. Gary Day, R-Lehigh introduced House Bill 1538, which would add large-caliber air rifles to the list of legal weapons allowed for taking game such as deer, bear and elk in the commonwealth.

According to lehighvalleylive.com, in a memo announcing the proposed legislation, Day stated the measure is designed to modernize hunting laws and broaden opportunities for sportsmen and women, particularly those interested in emerging air-powered technologies.

“Air rifles have evolved significantly in recent years,” Day said. “Modern large-caliber air rifles are capable of achieving the velocity and energy required for ethical big game hunting — these are not your childhood BB guns.

“This change will offer numerous benefits, including attracting new hunters, increasing opportunity, supporting hunting traditions and promoting conservation. With proper legislation and oversight, we can responsibly integrate air rifles into Pennsylvania’s wildlife management framework while maintaining public safety and environmental stewardship.”

State Rep. David Rowe, a Republican serving parts of Juniata, Mifflin, Snyder and Union counties, is co-sponsoring the bill.

Airguns would be the first new weapon permitted statewide for big game hunting since crossbows were added in 2009, assuming the bill is legalized and then approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Hunters in the state can legally use manually operated and semiautomatic air rifles and manually operated air handguns that propel a single-projectile pellet or bullet for small game and furbearers. For woodchucks and furbearers, airguns must be .22 caliber, while calibers from .177 to .22 are permitted for other small game animals.

Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau said the agency has not received any formal requests to review the use of airguns for big game, or any particular airguns.

“At present, though, the Game Commission could not regulate airguns for big game unless legislation were passed first,” Lau noted.

Modern, large-caliber airguns are much different than the pellet guns many people remember from their youth. Ed Schultz, president of the Airgun Sporting Association, said their effective range is similar to that of archery equipment. “Modern airguns have evolved significantly, and their accuracy and power are far beyond what they were when many of us started shooting with a Daisy Red Ryder,” Schultz said. “Big or larger-bore airguns have existed for hundreds of years. The advent of Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) guns has increased their energy. Most states require at least a .357 caliber bullet that can deliver 200 to 300 foot-pounds of energy.”

Airguns are currently legal for big game in 29 states across the country.

“There is a growing interest in hunting with airguns,” Schultz said. “Over the last 10 years, the number of states that allow hunting of large game with air rifles has grown to over half of all states.”