[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Starstruck is correct !
When fairly close , a BB gun is an effective deterent; it stings and there is no harm.
When out some distance , a "sighted-in" pellet gun is effective when the perp is hit in the rump
When silence is valued , a "wrist-rocket" (sling shot with a marble, or marble sized projectile'stone) is effective and gets the message across.
When noise is not a concern, a 12 gague/ 410 cal. loaded with kosher salt (instead of lead) sends an audible message to the critter , the owner , and to the neighborhood !

[Starstruck]

When silence is valued , a "wrist-rocket" (sling shot with a marble, or marble sized projectile'stone) is effective and gets the message across.

Actually I have some aquilla 20 grain .22 ammo that fired trough a .22 rifle makes a sound quieter than a pellet gun but more lethal. I have not reached the point where it has become something I will use, but I'm getting close.

[greeneyes]

Probably a good way to loose your 12 gauge to the police who are ever growing in intrusiveness. If I had one, I’d not risk it. Unfortunately all my guns and ammo went up in smoke along with Grand Daughter and her husbands stuff.

Neighbors for miles around thought they were setting off fireworks, but it was just the trailer burning up and everything in it. They just had two hunting rifles left after that - they were still in the truck from a hunting trip.

That sling shot thing sounds tempting though.