What do you think about legalizing high caliber air guns (.45 caliber and up) for whitetails in Iowa.? Other states, like Missouri, allow them. They could be allowed in the muzzleloader season. I am talking only about those that shoot pellets/ bullets, not that shoot arrows. I really don't see any difference between these and muzzleloaders. This is a letter I sent to my legislators:
I would ask that you initiate and support legislation for the following amendment:
Iowa Code section 483A.8 is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection:
10. The commission shall adopt a rule permitting the use of precharged pneumatic air rifles, .45 caliber or larger as legal for hunting deer during all deer seasons in which muzzleloading rifles are allowed. A precharged pneumatic air rifle is an air rifle charged only from an external high compression power source (external hand pump, air tank, or air compressor.
I would note that 24 states now allow hunting big game with powerful precharged pneumatic air rifles. The two nearest states allowing deer hunting are Missouri and North Dakota. See: https://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-map/?hunting=Big_Game and https://outdoorever.com/air-gun-laws-by-state/.
In Jim Chapman’s Outdoor Life article “Can Air Rifles Effectively Kill Big Game? In Short, Yes” at https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/hunting-big-game-with-air-rifle/ he notes that:
Why use them then? For many it comes down to the challenge of the hunt, the requirement for the hunter to exercise the discipline to get closer, be more selective in choosing the shot, and be more precise in shot placement. At least for me, hunting is more about how you do it, than just the outcome. Many hunters find this challenge through hunting with handguns, archery, or muzzleloaders.
. . .
If like me, you grew up hearing that a deer rifle needs to generate over 1,000 fpe to be effective, this 400 number seems very low. Well, It turns out the 1,000 fpe threshold is simply wrong. I have killed many hogs with airguns generating 100 fpe, and hogs are harder to kill than deer, in my opinion. And many times, when hunting alongside others using centerfires, my kills have been cleaner and more decisive. This is because I get in closer and place the shot more precisely. The best air rifles produce a wound similar to an arrow in that there is no hydrostatic shock generated, but rather direct injury to the vital organs. The simple fact is that 300 fpe is plenty of power to kill deer-sized game but you have to be selective with your shooting and be capable of hitting your target.
. . .
When talking about the more powerful rifles such as the Hatsan Piledriver, Umarex Hammer, Air Force Texan, and Western Bushbuck, you should expect to get over 600 fpe in a .457 and over 700 in the .50 caliber versions.
Jim Chapman, “Can Air Rifles Effectively Kill Big Game? In Short, Yes” (Outdoor Life Loctober 2022).
I would ask that you initiate and support legislation for the following amendment:
Iowa Code section 483A.8 is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection:
10. The commission shall adopt a rule permitting the use of precharged pneumatic air rifles, .45 caliber or larger as legal for hunting deer during all deer seasons in which muzzleloading rifles are allowed. A precharged pneumatic air rifle is an air rifle charged only from an external high compression power source (external hand pump, air tank, or air compressor.
I would note that 24 states now allow hunting big game with powerful precharged pneumatic air rifles. The two nearest states allowing deer hunting are Missouri and North Dakota. See: https://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-map/?hunting=Big_Game and https://outdoorever.com/air-gun-laws-by-state/.
In Jim Chapman’s Outdoor Life article “Can Air Rifles Effectively Kill Big Game? In Short, Yes” at https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/hunting-big-game-with-air-rifle/ he notes that:
Why use them then? For many it comes down to the challenge of the hunt, the requirement for the hunter to exercise the discipline to get closer, be more selective in choosing the shot, and be more precise in shot placement. At least for me, hunting is more about how you do it, than just the outcome. Many hunters find this challenge through hunting with handguns, archery, or muzzleloaders.
. . .
If like me, you grew up hearing that a deer rifle needs to generate over 1,000 fpe to be effective, this 400 number seems very low. Well, It turns out the 1,000 fpe threshold is simply wrong. I have killed many hogs with airguns generating 100 fpe, and hogs are harder to kill than deer, in my opinion. And many times, when hunting alongside others using centerfires, my kills have been cleaner and more decisive. This is because I get in closer and place the shot more precisely. The best air rifles produce a wound similar to an arrow in that there is no hydrostatic shock generated, but rather direct injury to the vital organs. The simple fact is that 300 fpe is plenty of power to kill deer-sized game but you have to be selective with your shooting and be capable of hitting your target.
. . .
When talking about the more powerful rifles such as the Hatsan Piledriver, Umarex Hammer, Air Force Texan, and Western Bushbuck, you should expect to get over 600 fpe in a .457 and over 700 in the .50 caliber versions.
Jim Chapman, “Can Air Rifles Effectively Kill Big Game? In Short, Yes” (Outdoor Life Loctober 2022).
