A .22 caliber firearm is highly effective for hunting small game and varmints, but exactly what you can hunt depends on the specific cartridge, bullet type, and your local hunting regulations. The most common animals you can hunt with a 22 include squirrels, rabbits, hares, and various small ground varmints. While the .22 Long Rifle is the standard for small game at close range, more powerful .22 centerfire cartridges are required for predators or larger game. You must always confirm that your chosen cartridge is legally permitted for the specific game species in your state or province. Understanding the effective range of your ammunition is critical for a successful and ethical harvest.
What Can You Hunt With a .22?
| Game | .22 Cartridge | Typical Hunting Suitability | Practical Range | Bullet Type / Weight | Legal Restrictions | Source |
| Squirrels | .22 LR | Highly Suitable | 25 to 75 yards | 36 to 40 gr Hollow Point | Regulated by state small game seasons | State Wildlife Agencies |
| Rabbits | .22 LR | Highly Suitable | 25 to 75 yards | 36 to 40 gr Hollow Point | Regulated by state small game seasons | Hunter Education Programs |
| Hares | .22 WMR / .22 LR | Suitable | 50 to 100 yards | 40 gr Hollow Point | Varies by region and species classification | Game and Fish Departments |
| Coyotes | .22 Centerfire / .22 WMR | Suitable with correct cartridge | 100 to 200 yards | 40 to 55 gr Expanding | .22 LR is highly restricted or illegal in many areas | State Wildlife Agencies |
| Deer | .22 Centerfire (e.g., .223 Rem) | Varies significantly | 100 to 200 yards | 55 to 75 gr Controlled Expansion | .22 Rimfire is illegal everywhere for deer | State Wildlife Agencies |
| Groundhogs | .22 WMR / .22 Hornet | Highly Suitable | 75 to 150 yards | 30 to 40 gr Polymer Tip | Check local varmint hunting classifications | Ammunition Manufacturers |
What Can You Hunt With a .22?
When hunters ask what can you shoot with a 22, the most accurate answer revolves around small game. The .22 family of cartridges excels at harvesting animals that weigh less than 10 pounds. This includes arboreal animals like gray squirrels and fox squirrels, as well as ground-dwelling game like cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares. Ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and raccoons are also commonly hunted with .22 caliber firearms. The lightweight projectiles deliver enough terminal energy to cleanly take these animals without destroying the meat, making the .22 an ideal choice for small game foragers.
.22 LR vs Other .22 Cartridges
The term “.22” can refer to a wide variety of cartridges with vastly different capabilities. The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is a low-velocity rimfire cartridge designed for short-range small game hunting. The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) uses a longer case and more powder, increasing velocity and extending the effective range for larger varmints. The .22 Hornet is a small centerfire cartridge that offers significantly more energy than rimfire options. Finally, cartridges like the .223 Remington are high-velocity centerfire rounds capable of taking predators and, where legal, medium game. Treating all .22-caliber cartridges as equivalent is a dangerous mistake because cartridge choice drastically changes velocity, energy, effective range, and legal hunting suitability.
Best Game For .22 LR
Because .22 LR hunting is the most common application of this caliber, it is important to match the cartridge to the right game. The best game for the .22 LR includes squirrels, rabbits, and small pests like rats or mice. For these animals, the low velocity of the .22 LR is an asset, as it preserves edible meat and minimizes pelt damage. State wildlife agencies consistently recommend the .22 LR for these small game applications due to its appropriate energy transfer at close distances.
Can You Hunt Squirrels With a .22?
Yes, you can hunt squirrels with a .22 caliber rifle. The .22 LR is widely considered the best 22 for hunting squirrels because it is quiet, accurate, and perfectly matched to the size of the animal. Hunters typically use 36-grain or 40-grain hollow point ammunition to ensure quick, clean harvests. Because squirrels present a very small target, pinpoint accuracy is required, and most shots are taken between 25 and 50 yards. Always check your state or regional regulations to confirm the specific dates for squirrel season and any magazine capacity restrictions.
Can You Hunt Rabbits With a .22?
Yes, you can hunt rabbits with a 22. Similar to squirrel hunting, the .22 LR is an outstanding choice for cottontail rabbits. The suitability of the .22 LR is high because a rabbit’s thin skin and light bone structure require very little energy to penetrate. Accurate shot placement with appropriate hollow point ammunition is essential. The practical range for rabbit hunting with a .22 LR is generally 50 to 75 yards. Legal considerations are straightforward in most regions, as rabbits are classified as small game and are legal to hunt with rimfire rifles during established seasons.
Can You Hunt Hares With a .22?
Yes, hares can be hunted with a .22 caliber firearm. Hares, such as the jackrabbit or snowshoe hare, are generally larger and tougher than standard rabbits. While a .22 LR is capable of taking a hare at close range, many hunters prefer the .22 WMR for its flatter trajectory and higher energy at distances up to 100 yards. Regional differences in hunting rules frequently group hares with small game or unprotected species, but hunters must verify local wildlife codes before hunting.
Can You Hunt Varmints With a .22?
Yes, you can hunt varmints with a .22, provided you choose the correct cartridge for the size of the animal. Small varmints like rats, ground squirrels, and starlings are perfectly suited for the .22 LR. However, larger varmints like groundhogs, raccoons, and foxes require more energy. For these animals, a .22 WMR, .22 Hornet, or .223 Remington provides the necessary velocity and hydrostatic shock for a clean harvest. The .22 LR is generally inadequate for heavy varmints beyond 50 yards.
Can You Hunt Deer With a .22?
You cannot legally hunt deer with a .22 LR or any other .22 rimfire cartridge. Wildlife agencies universally prohibit rimfire cartridges for deer hunting because they lack the necessary kinetic energy and penetration to reliably and humanely harvest the animal. However, some states do allow deer hunting with centerfire .22 caliber rifles, such as the .223 Remington, provided the hunter uses heavy, controlled-expansion bullets. Even where legal, using a .22 centerfire for deer requires exceptional shot placement and is generally restricted to closer ranges.
Can You Hunt Larger Animals With a .22?
When considering what animals can you hunt with a 22, larger predators and game animals like wild hogs and coyotes require careful distinction. A .22 LR should never be used for wild hogs or coyotes due to the high probability of wounding the animal. If you want to know can you hunt coyotes with a 22, the answer is only yes if you are using a high-velocity .22 centerfire cartridge like the .223 Remington or .22-250. Larger predators have thick hides and dense bone structures that rimfire ammunition simply cannot penetrate reliably.
.22 Bullet Weight And Hunting
Bullet weight and design significantly dictate hunting suitability. Standard .22 LR small game hunting relies on bullets weighing between 36 and 40 grains. Solid lead round nose bullets offer deep penetration but minimal expansion, making them acceptable for small pests but less ideal for game where rapid energy transfer is preferred. Hollow point bullets are the standard for small game hunting because they expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and dropping the animal quickly. When stepping up to .22 centerfire cartridges for predators, hunters typically use 40-grain to 55-grain polymer-tipped bullets designed for explosive expansion.
.22 Effective Hunting Range
The difference between maximum projectile range and the 22 LR effective hunting range is vast. While a .22 LR bullet can physically travel over a mile, its effective hunting range is strictly limited to about 75 yards. Beyond this distance, the bullet drops rapidly, loses kinetic energy, and becomes highly susceptible to wind drift. The practical hunting range depends on the cartridge type, bullet aerodynamics, the inherent accuracy of the rifle, and the size of the target. An ethical hunter only takes shots within a distance where they can guarantee both pinpoint accuracy and sufficient terminal energy.
Legal Hunting Restrictions
Hunting regulations vary drastically by country, state, province, and wildlife management area. A state might permit hunting squirrels with a .22 LR but strictly prohibit it on specific public hunting lands. Furthermore, caliber restrictions are closely tied to game species. Rimfire cartridges are almost universally restricted to small game and unprotected varmints. Some jurisdictions also enforce magazine capacity limits, restricting hunters to five-round magazines while in the field. You must always consult the most current rulebook published by your local game and fish department to confirm legal compliance.
.22 Hunting Accuracy And Shot Placement
Because the .22 LR produces relatively low kinetic energy, accurate shooting and appropriate target selection are mandatory. A responsible hunter must place the shot in the vital organs or the central nervous system to ensure a quick harvest. This requires a thorough understanding of the animal’s anatomy and the discipline to pass on shots that exceed the cartridge’s range limitations. Knowing your target and exactly what lies beyond it is also a fundamental safety requirement, as a missed shot can travel far beyond the immediate hunting area.
Pros And Cons Of Hunting With A .22
Pros
Hunting with a .22 caliber firearm, specifically the .22 LR, offers distinct advantages. The incredibly low recoil makes it accessible for hunters of all ages and sizes. Ammunition cost is exceptionally low, allowing hunters to practice frequently. The low noise profile disturbs the woods far less than larger cartridges, which can be advantageous when hunting multiple small game animals in one area. Finally, the inherent accuracy and availability of rimfire rifles make them highly practical for small game foraging.
Cons
The primary disadvantage of the .22 LR is its limited power and restricted effective range. The lightweight bullets are highly sensitive to wind deflection, making long-distance shots unethical. The .22 rimfire family has very limited suitability for larger game and is subject to strict legal restrictions prohibiting its use on medium and large species. The lack of hydrostatic shock means that hunters are entirely reliant on perfect shot placement for success.
Manufacturer Data vs Hunting Guidance
When researching hunting capabilities, hunters must distinguish between ammunition manufacturer ballistic information and wildlife-agency regulations. A manufacturer might advertise a .22 WMR bullet as retaining lethal velocity at 150 yards, which is a mathematical fact based on chronograph data. However, hunter education guidance and state regulations might restrict hunting certain animals with that cartridge entirely. Official regulations and reputable hunter education programs prioritize ethical harvesting and safety, meaning their practical guidelines often recommend much shorter distances than theoretical ballistic charts suggest.
FAQs
What can you hunt with a .22?
You can hunt a variety of small game and varmints, including squirrels, rabbits, hares, groundhogs, and raccoons. Larger centerfire .22 cartridges can be used for coyotes and, in some legal jurisdictions, deer.
What animals can you hunt with a .22 LR?
The .22 LR is best suited for animals weighing less than 10 pounds, primarily squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and small pests like rats.
Can you hunt squirrels with a .22?
Yes, the .22 LR is widely considered the standard and most popular caliber for squirrel hunting due to its accuracy and minimal meat damage.
Can you hunt rabbits with a .22?
Yes, rabbits are small, thin-skinned game perfectly suited for the .22 LR when using hollow-point ammunition.
Can you hunt rabbits with a .22 LR?
Yes, the .22 LR is one of the most effective and commonly used cartridges for hunting cottontail rabbits at distances under 75 yards.
Can you hunt coyotes with a .22?
You can hunt coyotes with a .22 centerfire cartridge like the .223 Remington, but the .22 LR rimfire is generally prohibited and physically inadequate for cleanly harvesting a coyote.
Can you hunt deer with a .22?
You cannot hunt deer with a .22 rimfire cartridge like the .22 LR, as it is illegal and unethical everywhere. Some states allow deer hunting with high-velocity .22 centerfire cartridges.
Can you hunt hogs with a .22?
The .22 LR is inadequate for wild hogs. While some high-powered .22 centerfire cartridges can kill a hog with perfect shot placement, larger calibers are heavily recommended by wildlife agencies.
What is the best .22 for small game?
The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is universally recognized as the best and most practical cartridge for small game due to its low cost, low noise, and adequate energy.
What is the effective hunting range of a .22?
The effective hunting range of a .22 LR for small game is typically 50 to 75 yards. Centerfire .22 cartridges can have an effective hunting range extending beyond 200 yards for predators.
Is .22 LR good for small game hunting?
Yes, the .22 LR is specifically designed for and excels at small game hunting, providing excellent accuracy and appropriate terminal performance.
Is .22 LR legal for hunting where I live?
Legality depends entirely on your specific country, state, or province. You must check your local department of wildlife regulations to confirm what species are legal to hunt with rimfire rifles in your area.