Which pellet rifle for pigeon regulation? This question comes up regularly for professionals confronted with these birds. These pests live up to their reputation. The overpopulation of this species causes a lot of damage. To combat such birds an air gun seems a wise choice. Find our advice to help you choose a rifle suitable for this practice Soft air gun.
LEGISLATION: IS THE DESTRUCTION OF PIGEONS AUTHORIZED?
Before getting to the heart of the subject, it is important to differentiate domestic pigeons from city pigeons. The first (dovecote pigeons) have an owner while the second (bell tower pigeons) do not.
DOMESTIC PIGEON
In France, the destruction of domestic pigeons is a strictly regulated activity. Article L211-5 of the General Code of Local Authorities and the provisions of the Rural Code set the conditions of regulation.
Therefore, the domestic pigeon can therefore be destroyed all year round. This destruction must occur only at the location and time of the damage.
Caution: The domestic pigeon should not be confused with rock or stock pigeons. These two species are subject to hunting regulations.
CITY PIGEON
The provisions of the departmental health regulations apply for regulation. According to article L2212-2 of the general code of local authorities, the mayor has the skills to fight against the nuisance of city pigeons. This public figure can call on professionals to eliminate pigeons with an air rifle.
PELLET RIFLE: AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
French legislation authorizes destruction by shooting. The pellet rifle therefore appears to be one of the most effective methods. Indeed, it is a method that is both discreet, silent and precise. As a reminder, you must call a professional or have a hunting license for regulation by shooting.
Before taking out your compressed air rifle , as a professional, you should refer to the decrees in force before any operation. Depending on where you are (department or region) the domestic pigeon may or may not be considered a pest. The regulation of pigeons is authorized by law only in a health context. Pigeon hunting with a pellet rifle remains strictly prohibited . If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the National Federation of Hunters or the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife (ONCFS) in your department. These organizations are best placed to answer these questions.
Please note, in the event of an offense, the person who voluntarily, unnecessarily, publicly or otherwise, inflicts mistreatment on an animal incurs a fine of up to €750 (R654-1 of the Penal Code).
POWER OF THE RIFLE: AN ESSENTIAL CRITERION FOR THE REGULATION OF PESTS
For effective pest control, the pellet rifle must possess certain attributes. The power of the weapon is the first characteristic to take into consideration. Choose a compressed air weapon with a minimum power equal to or greater than 20 joules.
The first reason to opt for this power is the shooting distance. Approaching a domestic pigeon turns out to be a difficult mission. With a minimum of 20 joules you can shoot this target at a distance of 15 to 45 meters.
Another reason to move towards this level of power and avoid suffering for the animal. With more than 20 joules of power we favor a lethal shot.
WHAT CALIBER FOR THIS TYPE OF ACTIVITY?
For this type of practice, the choice between the 4.5 mm or 5.5 mm caliber may arise. But from a ballistic point of view, the 5.5 mm caliber represents the most suitable projectile. The power-to-weight ratio provides this ammunition with excellent stopping power.
Weather conditions directly impact the accuracy of your shots. Bad weather such as rain or wind modifies the ballistic trajectory of the lead. To deal with these eventualities, choose a 5.5 mm lead. It is much more precise than a 4.5 mm pellet. Its heavier weight makes the ballistic trajectory more stable. A high-performance aiming optic to gain precision
Regulating bizet pigeons without making them suffer requires excellent shooting precision. For this practice, opt for at least a rifle equipped with a fiber optic sight. Compared to a conventional aiming system, this type of organ makes target acquisition easier. Optical fiber represents a good option for aiming at a fast target at short distance. Furthermore, it improves the precision of your shots in low ambient light (dawn and dusk).
The riflescope represents an excellent solution for regulating pigeons over long distances. In this shooting configuration we recommend a 4×32 or 3-9×40 riflescope. This optic offers a wide field of vision. It allows you to always keep a moving target in your viewfinder. Still with this idea of precision shooting, choose a scope with an illuminated reticle. In low light conditions this reticle provides penetrating vision.
Now that you know which pellet rifle to use for pigeon regulation, all you have to do is choose pellets adapted to this practice.