Foxes are often viewed as pests or predators in rural and semi-rural areas, leading some shooters to wonder whether an air rifle is a viable option for dispatching one.
The air rifle is commonly used for pest control, target shooting, and small-game hunting. However, when it comes to larger animals like foxes, ethical and legal considerations come into play.
This article explores what type of air rifle would be effective in taking out a fox if that is all that is available.
Understanding The Fox as a Target
Foxes are not small animals. A typical adult red fox weighs between 8 to 15 pounds, but a few larger males have been recorded weighing up to 34 pounds.
The fox has a sturdy skeletal structure, particularly around the shoulders and skull, which makes them tougher than some animals of its size, which are commonly hunted with low- to mid-power air rifles. With all this in consideration, it’s clear that one needs a powerful air rifle to dispatch a fox.
Factors to Consider when Hunting Foxes
1. Caliber & Power
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- .177 (4.5mm) & .22 (5.5mm)- Typically used for small pests (rats, squirrels) is not suitable for foxes because it lacks stopping power.
- .25 (6.35mm) –This is more effective, but the perfect shot placement on the vitals is mandatory, and at close range.
- .30+ (7.62 mm+)-Some high-powered PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles can kill a fox with a well-placed shot.
2. Shot Placement
To succeed in dispatching a fox humanely, some of the best parts to aim at include the head, heart, or lungs. Poor shot placement can wound the fox, leading to unnecessary suffering.
3. Range & Accuracy
Most air rifles lose power beyond 30-50 yards, especially the lighter calibers (.177 and .22). A fox’s thick fur and muscles can also deflect weaker pellets. Staying close to the target is therefore very important to effectively take it out.
Can an Air Rifle Shoot and Kill a Fox?
Yes, the air rifles with .25, .30, or even .35 caliber capable of producing at least 40 lb.-ft of energy on impact are sufficient to kill a fox at an ideal range, say at anything less than 70 yards.
The Benjamin Marauder is an example of an air rifle that is powered by a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) and has enough power in .25 caliber to kill a Fox.
You also have to consider that the type of pellet used will play a part in how the shot will penetrate the target. Domed pellets, such as the Dead Center Precision .25 Cal, have the best penetration on the target. Moreover, heavier pellets like the Nielsen Specialty Ammo retain more energy over the distance.
Legal & Ethical Considerations Using Air Rifles on Foxes
Always check local regulations before hunting any predator, including foxes. In some jurisdictions inside the United States, foxes are classified as game, and hunting them with air rifles, depending on the caliber, is prohibited.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to animals, and hunting foxes with any air rifle under .25 caliber is prohibited.
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