Would a decent air rifle kill a grey squirrel?
Discussion
I have a problem in my garden (very rural) in that the grey squirrels have found the bird table and associated food supply.
I was toying with the idea of an air rifle anyway, not for harming wildlife (except for the bloody squirrels) but for taking pot shots at tin cans, etc across the garden. But since the little grey f--kers have been making a nuisance of themselves, I thought I could take them out with a decent air rifle.
Thoughts? Recommendations?
I've put this in the lounge because there's always someone down the pub who knows about these things, right?
I was toying with the idea of an air rifle anyway, not for harming wildlife (except for the bloody squirrels) but for taking pot shots at tin cans, etc across the garden. But since the little grey f--kers have been making a nuisance of themselves, I thought I could take them out with a decent air rifle.
Thoughts? Recommendations?
I've put this in the lounge because there's always someone down the pub who knows about these things, right?
Foliage said:
NormalWisdom said:
Yes, though sometimes you might need to "finish them off". Furry-tailed rats are a blight
No, you shouldn't be shooting them unless you can guarantee a 100% clean humane kill.I think you'd want a 12lb/ft .177 spring rifle, with a telescopic sight, but someone with more knowledge will be along soon, im sure.
DonkeyApple said:
Mr GrimNasty said:
"The grey squirrel is regarded as an invasive non-native species following its inclusion under Schedule 9 of the WCA. Grey squirrels are also listed in the IUCN international list of 100 worst invasive non-native species. This highlights the damage that grey squirrels cause to our native flora and fauna; a problem severe enough to be recognised at a level of global significance. As such, the grey squirrel is regarded as a pest species and is afforded no protection under the WCA. Under Schedule 9 of the WCA, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild, or allow one to escape. This means if you trap one, you are obliged to humanely dispatch it. You must not let it go as this act would be illegal."
Is this from the UKIP manifesto? 
CharlesdeGaulle said:
As is often the way with PH threads, and invariably the way with discussion of animal control in the UK, the original question has got lost amongst peoples' own views on culling (although in fairness flying meeces was fairly balanced) and animal 'rights'.
The OP asked a specific question about killing squirrels. All those who felt that wading-in to tell him he shouldn't are hardly adding value, and the idiot that accused those of us who do kill vermin as being in it for the sexual pleasure might have been moderately amusing if he wasn't such a sanctimonius misguided prick.
Thank you. I haven't re-read my original post, but I believe it was either in that post or one soon after where I wasn't interested in the morals of whether I should or shouldn't shoot little furry animals.The OP asked a specific question about killing squirrels. All those who felt that wading-in to tell him he shouldn't are hardly adding value, and the idiot that accused those of us who do kill vermin as being in it for the sexual pleasure might have been moderately amusing if he wasn't such a sanctimonius misguided prick.
Edited by CharlesdeGaulle on Monday 30th May 18:53
Anyway. On Sunday I purchased a Cometa 300 0.22 which I am very pleased with. I also bought a SMK 3.9x40 sight but in my naiivety forgot the sight mounts which are on their way. However, the fixed sights are pretty good. For the record, no warm (or cold) blooded creatures have given their lives for the pleasure of me or my son.
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