Can you shoot magpies with an Air Rifle?
You’ve got your air rifle and ammunition, and now you want to go shooting - so the question you must ask yourself is, what can I shoot? In this article, we will look at the laws surrounding magpies in the UK and how they apply to air gun laws.
In the UK, air rifles with a power output of less than 12 ft-lb and air pistols with a power output of less than 6 ft-lb do not require a firearms certificate. They can be purchased and owned by individuals over the age of 18. However, air rifles with a power output of 12 ft-lb or more and air pistols with a power output of 6 ft-lb or more do require a firearms certificate.
So, can you shoot a magpie with an Air Rifle?
The quick answer is yes. Yes, you can shoot magpies with an air rifle under certain conditions. Magpies are considered pest birds and can be controlled under specific licences issued by the relevant authorities. However, it is crucial to ensure a humane kill, which may require an air rifle with sufficient power and accuracy.
Hunting and shooting wildlife with your air rifle
When you want to hunt and shoot wildlife, there are a few factors you need to consider. The first factor is what you can shoot. There are many different laws for different quarries - and knowing what animals are protected is a must when shooting. You are legally allowed to shoot magpies, provided you’re doing so for the correct reasons under a specific licence.
Another factor to consider is where you can shoot. Even with the correct certificates and guns, you will always need permission to shoot in the environment you’re in. Some places can also be prohibited, so always ensure you’re up-to-date with the regulations in your area.
For certain game species, there are specific hunting seasons. However, species like magpies can be controlled year-round under General Licences, provided you meet the required conditions and justifications.
The legality behind owning and using airguns - from air rifles to pistols - is vital in ensuring not only safety for you and others around you, but also making sure the land and its wildlife are treated with respect.
Licences
In England, the general licences that previously allowed for the control of pest birds have been replaced by a new licensing system as of April 2020. The relevant licences for controlling magpies are:
Licence Number: WML-CL35 - For preserving public health or public safety.
Licence Number: WML-CL36 - For preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, or fruit.
Licence Number: WML-CL37 - For conserving wild birds and conserving flora and fauna.
In England, you do not need to apply individually for these General Licences. However, you must comply fully with their conditions and ensure you can justify your actions—particularly that you’ve tried alternative, non-lethal methods before resorting to lethal control.
For Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, different licensing systems may apply. Always check with the relevant authority in your jurisdiction for the latest information.
Firearms Certificate
A Firearms Certificate is required for powerful air rifles (12 ft-lb or more), powerful air pistols (6 ft-lb or more), and firearms. This type of licence is necessary for owning and using firearms and shotguns that are not covered under the specific licences mentioned above.
You can find out more information on these licences on our How to Get an Air Rifle Licence blog. Check out your local police governing website to apply for a firearms licence, and read up on the laws in your jurisdiction to make sure you have an understanding of what is and is not required in your area.
Why Do We Control Pest Birds?
There are various reasons why controlling certain bird species—including through shooting—is considered necessary under UK law. Pest birds can pose risks to safety, crops, ecosystems, and even public health. However, strict regulations govern when and how bird control can take place. Below, we explore the legal and ethical reasons behind controlling pest birds, including magpies, in the UK.
Health and Safety Concerns
Certain pest birds, such as pigeons, can pose significant health and safety risks. Their droppings carry harmful pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, and avian tuberculosis, which may be transmitted to humans or livestock. Accumulated droppings can also create slip hazards in public spaces, while nesting materials can block drainage systems or even pose fire risks.
In limited cases, the control of pest birds helps reduce these hazards. Under specific conditions outlined in the General Licence WML-GL35, certain species may be managed to preserve public health and safety.
Crop Protection
Pest birds often cause serious damage to crops, resulting in financial loss for farmers. Birds like woodpigeons and magpies can devastate grain, fruit, and vegetable yields. In these situations, legal control methods, including shooting, may be used under General Licence WML-GL36 to prevent serious damage to crops, vegetables, fruit, livestock, or foodstuffs for livestock.
However, it’s essential to demonstrate that non-lethal deterrents (such as scare devices or habitat management) have been attempted and found insufficient before turning to lethal methods.
Conservation and Environmental Balance
Some bird species, particularly aggressive or invasive ones, may threaten native wildlife or disrupt ecological balance. For example, magpies are known to predate on eggs and chicks of songbirds and other native species.
Under General Licence WML-GL37, magpies and other specific birds may be controlled for the purpose of conserving wild birds, as well as protecting local flora and fauna. Proper justification and adherence to licence conditions are essential.
Livestock and Feed Protection
Bird droppings can contaminate livestock feed and hay, potentially introducing harmful bacteria or parasites. The presence of pest birds may also lead to spoilage and the development of harmful spores, such as botulism, which poses serious risks to livestock health.
To prevent such issues, certain bird species can be controlled lawfully under the relevant general licence, provided all conditions are met.
Urban Environment Management
In towns and cities, pest birds can damage buildings, foul monuments, and block drainage systems. Their presence can create nuisances, affect the structural integrity of property, and diminish the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. Though non-lethal methods like netting and spikes are often preferred, targeted shooting may be used where these measures fail.
Which birds are considered pests?
In the UK, all wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. However, certain species—including:
- Carrion crows
- Feral pigeons
- Woodpigeons
- Magpies (Pica pica)
—may legally be controlled under General Licences, subject to strict conditions. Importantly, the law does not declare them pests outright, but allows control for specific, justified reasons.
The General Licences: Key Facts
In England, the three key licences for bird control (valid as of 2024) are:
- WML-GL35: For preserving public health or safety.
- WML-GL36: For preventing serious damage to livestock, crops, fruit, vegetables, or foodstuffs.
- WML-GL37: For conserving wild birds, flora, and fauna.
No individual application is needed to operate under these licences, but strict compliance with their conditions is mandatory. Always consult the latest licence wording on Natural England’s website before carrying out any control.
For Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, different licensing systems apply:
- NatureScot (Scotland)
- Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
Some conditions that apply
As with most laws, the usage of air guns comes with conditions. To take a more in-depth look into these conditions for magpies, other birds and protected species, check out the government website. We will take a look at a few that apply to magpies below.
Alternative lawful methods
It is always recommended that any person acting under the correct licence makes all the reasonable steps to carry out alternative methods, including non-lethal methods.
This means that it is your judgment to act both reasonably and lawfully when using this licence. However, it is recognised that you do not have to continue with non-lethal methods if they prove to be not practical, not effective or disproportionate.
So, before resorting to shooting or trapping magpies, you must demonstrate that non-lethal methods (like scaring devices, habitat management, or exclusion techniques) have been attempted and found to be:
- Impractical
- Ineffective
- Disproportionate
Document your efforts as evidence of compliance.
Protecting animal welfare
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to animals. You must:
- Ensure all shooting is done humanely with a clean kill.
- Avoid control during breeding seasons where possible.
- Follow best practice guidelines and relevant legislation.
Failure to comply can result in prosecution under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.
Trapping birds
If using cage traps:
- Only magpies (Pica pica) may be used as live decoys for trapping magpies.
- Traps must be inspected at least once every 24 hours.
- Decoy birds must be provided with food, water, shelter, and perches to ensure their welfare.
- All trapping must comply with both the General Licence and animal welfare laws.
Using the licence on a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
If you plan to control birds on or near:
- SSSIs
- European Protected Sites (e.g., Natura 2000 zones)
You may need:
- Written consent from Natural England
- To notify Natural England if acting under a Section 28 authority
Always check site-specific conditions before undertaking control.
Using this licence on or near some European sites
This condition applies to protecting animal welfare. Different European zones have their own conditions - you can check them out here.
What to consider when shooting
Now that you understand the core regulations and laws surrounding magpies, you must look at what important factors need to be taken into account when going out to shoot with your air rifle.
The Air Rifle you use
The air guns you use are very important when taking lethal methods of killing magpies. When going out with your air rifle, you always have to make sure your rifle is powerful enough to achieve a clean kill. For certain species, this may be an air rifle that is more powerful than 12 ft. lb (and requires a firearms certificate).
Choosing the Right Air Rifle
Options include:
- Pre-charged Pneumatic (PCP) rifles – Ideal for pest control due to power and accuracy.
- Spring air rifles
- CO2 air rifles
- Gas ram rifles
Choose one capable of delivering a clean, humane kill, and ensure it is properly maintained. BASC recommends rifles offering rapid follow-up shots and consistent power output.
Night Shooting & Artificial Lighting
You must not use artificial lighting, night sights, lasers, or illuminated devices to shoot birds under the General Licence. Shooting must be carried out during daylight hours using standard sights.
Final Considerations
Controlling pest birds, including magpies, requires a thorough understanding of both legal and ethical responsibilities. Before undertaking any control:
- Confirm you meet the conditions of the relevant General Licence.
- Keep records of alternative non-lethal methods attempted.
- Use appropriate, humane equipment.
- Always prioritise animal welfare and public safety.
- Regularly check the latest guidance from Natural England (or the relevant authority in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland).
For more information on choosing suitable air rifles and best practices for pest bird control, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Air Arms team.
