Pennsylvania hunters one day may have the option to use an air rifle instead of a centerfire rifle to hunt big game.

Rep. Gary W. Day, a Republican from Lehigh County, sent a memo on May 7 to his fellow House members seeking co-sponsors for legislation that “would authorize the use of large caliber air rifles for hunting big game in Pennsylvania. This measure is designed to modernize our hunting laws and broaden opportunities for sportsmen and women, particularly those interested in emerging air-powered technologies. We will join 29 other states where this means of hunting is currently legal.”

He wrote, “Air rifles have evolved significantly in recent years. Modern large caliber air rifles are capable of achieving the velocity and energy required for ethical big game hunting — these are not your childhood BB guns.

“This change will offer numerous benefits, including attracting new hunters, increasing opportunity, supporting hunting traditions and promoting conservation. With proper legislation and oversight, we can responsibly integrate air rifles into Pennsylvania’s wildlife management framework while maintaining public safety and environmental stewardship.”

Day did not respond to interview requests about his proposal.

Air guns, in calibers from .177 to .22, are already permitted for small game in Pennsylvania, but not for big game hunting like for deer or bears.

While the technology continues to improve, air guns are not new to the hunting community. Air rifles have been used for hunting for more than 200 years in the United States. The National Park Service reports that Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail carried a gun in the early 1800s that used compressed air from a tank instead of gunpowder to fire a bullet.

Today, air rifles have been refined. Perry Henley, a buyer for Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter in Stroudsburg and Brodheadsville, said they have been selling air rifles for years to people and believes the new models are an ethical option for hunters to consider. The largest caliber they have in stock is a .25 caliber which can be used for small game.

There are pre-charged pneumatic rifles that use cylinders filled with compressed air to launch pellets down range at speeds that make them an ethical option for hunters.

When asked about why a hunter would choose an air rifle over a centerfire rifle that uses gunpowder, Henley said there are several advantages to air guns.

“They’re certainly quieter. The technology is there that they still have enough power that they will do the job properly for larger game,” he said. 

 “I wouldn’t be afraid to use one in place of a high-powered rifle myself.”

If there’s a demand by for larger calibers, Henley said, their stores will start carrying them. “If we have people who are interested in them, we’ll certainly stock them.”

He said in addition to air guns being quieter than centerfire rifles, they also have less recoil which is attractive to some shooters as well.

Pyramid Adventures in Recreation sells air rifles online and offers a caliber-by-caliber breakdown for hunting. According to the company’s website, .30 caliber air rifles are best for hunting small antelope and deer up to 75 pounds. A .357 caliber rifle is best for feral hogs, bighorn sheep and mountain goats weighing up to 250 pounds. A .45 caliber air rifle is best for large antelope, bear and mule deer weighing up to 500 pounds and a .50 caliber air gun can be used for elk, moose and bison. The company recommends keeping shots at game animals to under 75 yards away.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission doesn’t have a stance on air-guns for big game hunting.

“Air guns for big game presently is prohibited by the Game and Wildlife Code. Once the legislation has been introduced, staff here will review it. We expect to take a position on it at that time,” Travis Lau, Communications Director for the agency, said through an email.

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website’s homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors.