Airgun hunting for coyotes and predators is one of the most thrilling—and challenging—ways to test your skills as a marksman. Whether you’re controlling nuisance predators, protecting livestock, or simply enjoying a high-adrenaline hunt, taking on coyotes, foxes, or bobcats with an air rifle demands precision, patience, and the right gear.

Thanks to advancements in big bore and high-powered PCP airguns, predator hunting is now a viable pursuit for airgunners looking to move beyond small game. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ethically and effectively hunt predators with air rifles.

What you’ll learn in this article:

• Which predators can be legally hunted with airguns
• State-by-state legal considerations
• Best rifles and calibers for coyotes and foxes
• Calling and decoy strategies that work
• Shot placement tips and effective ranges

What Counts as a Predator for Airgun Hunting?

Predators targeted by airgun hunters typically include:

• Coyotes – widespread and often unprotected
• Foxes – red and gray, often in forested or farmland edges
• Bobcats – legal in some states, usually by permit or tag
• Raccoons & opossums – often classified as furbearers or pests

Most states classify these animals as non-game or furbearers, which means hunting regulations can vary widely by species, season, and even county.

Is Predator Hunting Legal with an Airgun?

In many states, predator hunting with airguns is fully legal—but you must always check:

• Whether air rifles are an approved method of take
• What minimum calibers or energy levels apply
• Whether night hunting, electronic calls, or baiting are legal
• Whether the species is protected, regulated, or considered invasive

Example: In Texas, coyotes can be hunted year-round with airguns, including at night. In contrast, California requires specific firearm classifications and does not allow airguns for most predator species.

Best Airguns for Predator Hunting

Predator-sized animals require a step up from small game gear. You need precision, sufficient knockdown power, and enough range to make ethical shots.

Umarex Hammer (.50 Cal)

• Caliber: .510
• Energy: 700+ ft-lbs
• Great for large coyotes, bobcats, or longer shots

Umarex Gauntlet 2 (.25 Cal)

• Caliber: .25
• Energy: 45–60 ft-lbs
• Extremely accurate, great for close to mid-range hunting

AirForce Texan (.357 / .45)

• High velocity and tunable power
• Ideal for hunters needing long-range shots on open ground

Recommended Calibers for Predator Airgun Hunting

• .22 Cal: Sufficient for close-range shots on foxes or raccoons
• .25 Cal: Great for general predator hunting under 50 yards
• .30–.35 Cal: Ideal balance of knockdown power and range for coyotes
• .45–.50 Cal: Reserved for big predators, long-range shots, or larger bobcats

Predator Calling Strategies

Calling is one of the most exciting and effective ways to bring coyotes and other predators into airgun range. You can use:

• Rabbit distress calls – High-pitched and frantic, these mimic prey animals in trouble
• Coyote pup yelps – Can trigger territorial responses from mature males
• Electronic callers – Pre-programmed sequences with volume and tone variation

Set up downwind of your calling position and wear full camo. Let the call play in cycles (1–2 minutes on, 3 minutes off) and be ready to shoot when they approach silently.

Using Decoys

Motion decoys—such as a spinning tail or twitching fur—can distract predators long enough to give you a clean shot. Place the decoy 20–30 yards from your position to draw focus away from you.

Effective Ranges for Predator Airguns

Predator hunting requires you to know your rifle’s ballistic limits. Typical ranges:

• .22 and .25 cal: 25–45 yards
• .30–.35 cal: 40–70 yards
• .45+ cal: 60–90 yards (with stable slugs)

Use a rangefinder and confirm zero before every hunt. Practice shooting from kneeling or prone positions to match real-world field conditions.

Ethical Shot Placement on Predators

The most effective and ethical shots on predators are:

• Broadside, behind the shoulder – Double lung or heart/lung combo
• Neck shots – Clean takedown with small margin for error
• Headshots – Effective at short range only with extreme accuracy

Avoid frontal shots or heavily angled presentations that risk deflection or poor penetration.

Ammo Choices for Predator Airgun Hunting

Choose high-quality slugs or domed pellets that deliver deep penetration:

• JSB Hades or JSB Exact Heavy (.25+)
• NSA Slugs (.30–.50 cal)
• H&N Baracuda or Grizzly

Test multiple weights and designs to find what groups best in your barrel. Predator airgun hunting requires exceptional accuracy, not just power.

Night Hunting with Airguns

Many states allow nighttime predator hunting with airguns, but regulations vary. Check whether you can use:

• Thermal scopes or night vision
• Lights (red or green filters)
• Electronic calls

Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Night hunting increases the challenge but also the need for caution.

Final Thoughts

Predator hunting with airguns offers stealth, skill, and serious satisfaction. Whether you’re calling coyotes at dawn or protecting your property from nuisance animals, a well-placed shot from a purpose-built air rifle can make all the difference.

Start with a trusted platform like the Umarex Hammer or the ultra-accurate Gauntlet 2 in .25 caliber to build your confidence and effectiveness in the field.

Disclaimer: Hunting laws vary by state. Always confirm species, season dates, legal calibers, and methods of take with your state’s wildlife agency before hunting predators with an airgun.