I just found a reason to buy an air gun: iguana hunting

Don't you love it when you see a celebrity or TV personality with a gun in their hands? Even Alec Baldwin has a better appearance when you see a photo of him holding a gun.
 
So, the regs state you have to use only an airgun or a noose?
I’m not sure but I think that mostly applies to hunting them on public lands. I think a 22 subsonic with a can would be a good option where it is allowed, and I already have one of those.
 
I wonder if folks use them to kill pythons in the Everglades ?

Yes, but more than likely only for elevated snakes that could not be reached otherwise. Most pythons are caught by hand and dispatched via a knife, ice pick, screwdriver, or captured bolt gun (if you are a FL wildlife agent)...all methods of pithing. Why? In part, because the skins sell. Pithing results in very little damage to the skin while at the same time resulting in a humane death (as per FL law). The best part is that you don't need anything like an air rifle or special gear to be successful.

You would have to have at point blank range up against the brain (like gators with a 22 lr)
Depends on how good of a shot you are, but a contact shot would offer the least chance of missing. Unlike gators, pythons don't have heavy skull structures apt to stop or do a lot of deflection of bullets. Comparatively speaking, python skulls are fragile compared to that of an alligator, sort of like comparing an eagle to a bison skull.
 
I wonder if a .410 would be suitable, where legal to carry as in an open to hunting?
would depend on the local laws to fire arms and the proximity of homes,business, traffic and people etc. the noise generated may be an issue also but within range and the suitable choice in shot I don't see why it would not work but dang is .410 ammo pricey :p
 
would depend on the local laws to fire arms and the proximity of homes,business, traffic and people etc. the noise generated may be an issue also but within range and the suitable choice in shot I don't see why it would not work but dang is .410 ammo pricey :p
Got a case left from my dad’s estate. None of us ever shot .410!
 
I still don't see why a head shot with a 22 caliber wouldn't work. Do they have large heads and small brains maybe?
It will. My .22 PCP with 25.39 gr pellets will develop 62 ft/lbs of energy. That should be more than enough for iguanas. In fact, I would probalby tune it down some to avoid stray pellets from damaging other things.
 

I can’t believe she gets away shooting these things in the places she does!😁
You go into an area populated by wealthy retirees that are tired hoppin in their golf carts and sitting in iguana crap. They don't care where you shoot as long as you rid them of the iguanas.
 
Up at Nova SouthEastern in Lauderdale anytime the temps drop into the 40’s NSU issues warnings about comatose iguana falling from trees.

New Students generally think this is a joke Until they see or feel them falling from overhead.

But no air rifles on campus

-kBob
 
I still don't see why a head shot with a 22 caliber wouldn't work. Do they have large heads and small brains maybe?
You can do just fine with a .22 PCP

Watch this video with Iguana solutions. She is using a .177 out to 50 yards in this video.

.25 is good for raccons and such. .30 for larger game like coyote.
Iguanas will drop dead just fine with smaller calibers.

 

I go to Florida to fish a couple of times a year and I've seen big iguanas sunning themselves on docks. Now I need a powerful air rifle to shoot and eat them.

Recommendation for an iguana rifle?
Florida has some specific laws on killing wildlife like iguanas. Research them before you start hunting. Also bear in mind that almost all of South Florida is city limits which might affect air gun usage.
 
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