FAC Air Riffle for hunting

Anthony M · 10-05-2022 2:20pm #1

Hi all,

I have wanted to get my own gun for target shooting and small game hunting for a long time now. I have been looking at some FAC air riffles in some gun shops PCP to be more specific around 20-30ft pounds. I live in the country side and quite easily have permission to hunt on various farmers lands. im 30 years old and am engineer by trade with no criminal record. I plan to join a shooting range more specific a riffle range to practice.

What is the law on hunting game i.e pheasants? I know pests are fair game but is it it allowed even with a higher power air riffle?

I appreciate the reply

Thanks

kunekunesika · 10-05-2022 2:26pm

Rifle for vermin mostly. Pheasant require shotgun. License your pcp and your good to go on rabbits. Check your local club, but 22 rimfire might be more suited to competition there, and plenty good for rabbits.

Anthony M · 10-05-2022 2:42pm

Plenty of rabbits around here! and in terms of wood pigeons, does this same rule apply? I know there is a hunting season but can i shoot one in a field? Thanks.

Where is a good place to find out more details. i know when i join a gun club, they would probably know.

Thanks

kunekunesika · 10-05-2022 6:51pm

You can't shoot pigeons in the same way as rabbits, afaik. They are covered by an annual derogation from the minister, allowing them to be shot if they are damaging crops. Some one else here will set you straight on that.

JP22 · 10-05-2022 9:53pm

All wildlife including fauna is strictly protected by law.

Certain birds are classified as game-birds and can be shot with a shotgun only within their allotted season (pheasant, duck, grouse, snipe, pigeon,…..).

Certain birds (pigeon and mostly corvids) are classified as vermin/pests if they are damaging landowner’s crops and can be shot under an annual derogation order if such order is issued by the minister.

No doubt others here will have more info for you.

Edit. Here you go.

https://www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/open-seasons-order

Note - Pigeon have their own game season but are also included as vermin outside this period if damaging crops and can be shot under derogation order, if issued.

Anthony M · 15-05-2022 1:25pm

Thanks for clearing it up. Suppose rabbits only. Thanks

J.R. · 21-05-2022 12:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119066310#Comment_119066310

You don't have to limit your shooting to just rabbits.

BIRDS:

Under derogation, the birds you can shoot are rooks, jackdaws, greycrows, magpies and pigeons........if causing damage to crops, fauna etc.

https://www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations#:~:text=The%20Minister%20has%20signed%20a,in%20respect%20of%20air%20safety.

MAMMALS:

All year round you can shoot mice, rats, rabbits, grey squirrels and mink............... the "vermin" species.

Fox, feral goats and muntjac are also classified as "vermin" and can be shot with a suitable rifle the whole year round - an air rifle would not be classed as a suitable rifle, for these.