Airgun hunting for small game is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to get into the world of air-powered hunting. Whether you’re pursuing squirrels in hardwood forests, rabbits in the brush, or groundhogs near farmland, the challenge of cleanly taking small animals with precision makes every hunt a skill-building experience.

With today’s advanced air rifles offering quiet operation, pinpoint accuracy, and calibers tailored to match your quarry, small game hunting has become an essential part of the modern airgunner’s playbook.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• Top small game species to hunt with airguns
• Best air rifles and calibers for the job
• Field-proven strategies for success
• Shot placement and ethical considerations
• Recommended pellets and slugs

What Counts as Small Game?

Small game species are legally defined by state agencies, and commonly include:

• Squirrels (gray, fox, and red varieties)
• Rabbits and hares
• Dove and pigeon
• Groundhogs (woodchucks)
• Rats, starlings, and invasive birds

These animals are typically hunted during designated small game seasons, with airguns often specifically allowed or even encouraged due to their low noise and controlled power.

Best Airguns for Small Game Hunting

When it comes to small game, the focus should be on accuracy, manageable power, and smooth shot cycle. Here are some of the best airguns for the job in 2025:

Umarex Gauntlet 2 (.22 or .25)

• Caliber: .22 or .25
• Regulated PCP platform
• Consistent FPS for tight groups
• Perfect for squirrels, rabbits, and medium pests

Umarex Synergis (.22)

• Underlever, multi-shot repeater
• Gas-piston design
• Great for backyard pesting and light-duty small game

Umarex Notos (.177 PCP)

• Ultra-compact carbine design
• Whisper-quiet
• Perfect for urban or semi-rural small game and pest control

Choosing the Right Caliber

The three most common airgun calibers for small game are:

.177 Caliber

• Best for birds, rats, and close-range shots
• Flatter trajectory but less terminal energy

.22 Caliber

• Great all-around choice for squirrels, rabbits, pigeons
• Balance between knockdown power and accuracy

.25 Caliber

• Heavier pellets = more stopping power
• Great for larger rabbits, groundhogs, and windy days

Hunting Strategies for Small Game

1. Still Hunting and Stalking

Move slowly and scan trees and brush lines for movement. Use binoculars to spot squirrels sunning or feeding on branches. Take high-angle shots only when safe and when backstops are available.

2. Ground Blinds or Natural Cover

Set up near food sources, such as oak trees (for acorns) or fields with fresh clover. Wait quietly and minimize movement. Airguns excel here thanks to their whisper-quiet discharge.

3. Baiting (Where Legal)

Some states allow baiting for small game. Use corn, sunflower seeds, or apple slices to draw in rabbits and squirrels. Always check local regulations before using bait.

4. Urban/Suburban Pest Control

With permission, use quiet PCP or gas piston airguns to manage rats, pigeons, or invasive birds around barns, grain bins, or outbuildings. The Umarex Notos is a top performer in tight spaces.

Ethical Shot Placement

Always aim for instant, humane kills. Here are key targets by species:

• Squirrels & rabbits: Head or heart-lung area
• Birds: Head, neck, or upper chest
• Groundhogs: Broadside heart-lung shot

Use shooting sticks, bipods, or stable rests to improve accuracy. Many misses or poor hits are caused by rushed, unsupported shots.

Recommended Pellets and Slugs

For small game, precision and expansion matter more than sheer power. Stick with these choices:

• H&N Field Target Trophy
• JSB Exact (in .177, .22, and .25)
• Predator Polymags (expanding tips)
• RWS Superdome

Test a few types in your airgun to find the best match for accuracy. Pellet weight and shape will affect point of impact, especially at longer ranges.

Best Practices & Final Tips

• Always verify small game seasons and bag limits in your state
• Wear camo or neutral colors to blend with surroundings
• Scout areas ahead of time for trails, droppings, and food sources
• Use a rangefinder to determine true shooting distance
• Practice from field positions—kneeling, sitting, off sticks

Final Thoughts

Small game airgun hunting is where many of us fall in love with the sport—and for good reason. It offers high reward, frequent opportunities, and a chance to truly sharpen your marksmanship.

Whether you’re running a .177 carbine in the backyard or taking squirrels at 40 yards with a .25 PCP like the Umarex Gauntlet 2, small game hunting is one of the best ways to build skill, enjoy the outdoors, and ethically harvest wild game.

Disclaimer: Always consult your state’s wildlife agency to confirm hunting seasons, airgun legality, and species regulations before hunting.