Quick Reference Summary
✔ Legal Power Limit: Up to 12 ft-lb (no licence needed)
✔ Age to Own: 18+ (under 18 must be supervised by someone 21+)
✔ Landowner Permission: Always required
✔ Must Not:
- Shoot protected species
- Let pellets leave your boundary
- Shoot without valid reason under general licence
✔ Legal Quarry (England & Wales):
- Rabbits, rats, grey squirrels, mink, stoats (mammals)
- Feral pigeons, carrion crows (birds in both England & Wales)
- England also allows woodpigeons, magpies, jays, jackdaws, rooks
✔ Licences Are Regional: General licences differ in England and Wales. Always check the current version.
Jackdaw
Introduction
Welcome to your ultimate guide for legally shooting quarry in England and Wales using a sub-12 ft-lb air rifle. This guide outlines the essential legal considerations, permissible quarry, and responsible shooting practices to ensure you comply fully with UK law.
Note: The laws and general licences relating to air rifle use in Scotland and Northern Ireland differ significantly from those in England and Wales. This guide does not cover those regions. Always refer to local authorities such as Police Scotland or the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland for region-specific regulations.
Understanding Air Rifle Power Limits
In the UK, air rifles are restricted to a muzzle energy limit of 12 foot pounds (ft-lb). Exceeding this limit requires a Firearms Certificate (FAC). Staying within this legal boundary ensures safe, lawful shooting.
Legal Quarry Species
You may legally shoot specific pest species and game under general licenses. However, general licence conditions differ slightly between England and Wales.
Mammals (England & Wales):
- Rabbits
- Grey squirrels
- Rats
- Mink
- Stoats
Birds (Under General Licences):
England (Natural England):
- Feral pigeons
- Woodpigeons
- Magpies
- Carrion crows
- Jays
- Jackdaws
- Rooks
Wales (Natural Resources Wales):
- Feral pigeons (GL002)
- Carrion Crows (GL004)
- Limited other species under specific licences — magpies and jays are not currently permitted for public health or crop protection purposes.
Always check the latest general licences from Natural England or Natural Resources Wales as permitted species and licence terms can change.
Jay
General Licenses and Requirements
General licenses allow the shooting of specific pest species for defined reasons, such as preventing damage to crops, protecting livestock, or addressing public health concerns. No direct application is necessary, but adherence to their conditions is mandatory.
In Wales, licences such as GL001 (crop protection), GL002 (public health), and GL004 (conservation) each permit control of specific species under defined conditions. Always review these documents before shooting.
In England, GL40 ,Purpose: Conservation of wild birds, flora, or fauna. GL41. Purpose: Preservation of public health or public safety. GL42, Purpose: Prevention of serious damage to crops, livestock, or the spread of disease.
You do not need to apply for general licences, but you must comply with its conditions.
Magpie
Permissions and Ethical Considerations
Always secure explicit permission from the landowner or occupier before shooting. Respect wildlife, only shoot when necessary, and follow humane dispatch methods to prevent suffering.
Safety Guidelines
- Ensure pellets remain within your permitted boundary.
- Use appropriate backstops to prevent ricochets.
- Know and maintain safe shooting distances.
- Store and transport your air rifle securely and responsibly.
Age Restrictions and Supervision
- Individuals aged 18 and over may purchase and possess air rifles.
- Individuals under 18 must be supervised by an adult (21+) when shooting and cannot own an air rifle.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth: You can shoot any pest anywhere.
- Reality: Shooting is strictly controlled; permissions and general license conditions must always be followed.
- Myth: No permission is needed on your own property.
- Reality: You must still comply with general license conditions and ensure pellets do not leave your property boundary.
- Myth: General licences are the same in England and Wales.
- Reality: They are issued separately by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales and may list different species and purposes.
Rook
Resources and Further Reading
- DEFRA
- Natural Resources Wales General Licences
- General Licenses For Wildlife Management
- UK Air Gun Law
Stay informed, shoot responsibly, and enjoy your sport safely.
England Vs Wales Legal Quarry Table
| Species | Legal in England | Legal in Wales |
| Feral Pigeon | Yes | Yes (GL002) |
| Woodpigeon | Yes | No |
| Magpie | Yes | No |
| Carrion Crow | Yes | Yes (GL002) |
| Jay | Yes | No |
| Jackdaw | Yes | No |
| Rook | Yes | No |
| Rabbit | Yes | Yes |
| Grey Squirrel | Yes | Yes |
| Rat | Yes | Yes |
| Mink | Yes | Yes |
| Stoat | Yes | Yes |