Using a PCP for ducks in California…

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Maizen

Maizen

Member
Oct 10, 2018
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California, United States
So if you are all familiar with Matt Dubber...I’m sure you have seen him nailing ducks on water from many yards away. My question is now…is that allowed here in California?

I know you can basically shoot any kind of upland game bird with an air rifle. Turkey included. Same for the rabbits and squirrels. But, does the same apply to waterfowl? I ask because I found a pretty neat spot in a BLM hunting land where they sit on the water just like in Matt Dubber‘s videos. It would be easy pickings especially using something like my FX rifles and some slugs.

Thoughts?
 
Mufasa said:
So if you are all familiar with Matt Dubber...I’m sure you have seen him nailing ducks on water from many yards away. My question is now…is that allowed here in California?

I know you can basically shoot any kind of upland game bird with an air rifle. Turkey included. Same for the rabbits and squirrels. But, does the same apply to waterfowl? I ask because I found a pretty neat spot in a BLM hunting land where they sit on the water just like in Matt Dubber‘s videos. It would be easy pickings especially using something like my FX rifles and some slugs.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
They eat them , will you
 
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"The ban on the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl was phased-in starting with the 1987-88 hunting season. The ban became nationwide in 1991. Nontoxic shot regulations apply only to waterfowl, defined as the family Anatidae (ducks, geese, [including brant], and swans) and coots. Nontoxic shot is defined as any shot type that does not cause sickness and death when ingested by migratory birds."

That's from the fish and wildlife service. https://www.fws.gov/story/2022-04/nontoxic-shot-regulations-hunting-waterfowl-and-coots-us
 
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"go talk to these people,, get real answers from the folks who will arrest you if you do wrong"
^^^^ Excellent advice!
I believe that the regulations state that a shotgun must be used for the take of game such as duck, geese, mourning dove, crow, etc, using lead free shot. The only fowl that is legal to take without using a shotgun are pest birds, turkey and quail.
You'd be MUCH better informed if you simply read the regulations as they are readily available online. If any questions, call or email the California Wildlife Department. They will answer you.
 
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Migratory game birds can only be taken with a shotgun no bigger than 10 Guage bow and arrow and falconry. No gun can have or hold more than 3 shells and must use nontoxic shot. Also limits apply and very by species. This and much more is federal law so same in all states. You have been given good advice about who to ask I hope for your sake you listen to it and act on it. Because you could get a dozen different tickets for shooting one duck.
 
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Yep, rifles are not allowed for waterfowl in the USA at all, powderburners nor airguns. Waterfowl fall under Federal jurisdiction so you have to have a Federal Duck Stamp as well as your states hunting license. Waterfowl hunting is fairly tightly regulated and living in California I wouldn't even think about it. You might get away with it on private land but you wouldn't dare tell anyone else about it.
 
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You need to know ALL the laws and regulations BEFORE you shoot anything with your airgun. I don’t know if they’re still available at Fish & Wildlife offices but they’re online. Each animal you want to hunt will have a “method of take”. Know which birds are classified as migratory. None of them can be taken with an airgun. Don’t take a chance, know what you can legally shoot.
 
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mh said:
Perhaps we might want to write this thread off to youthful exuberance as the OP has not responded to any replies.
Click to expand...
I’m curious as to what his plans were in retrieving a duck floating out in the middle of a lake.

Here is the true test- head out to greylodge and check in, while holding your pcp. See what all the other hunters say while standing in line with you
 
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