Then try one of these.
Can't say I ever whacked a squirrel with one, but there's bunnies in heaven and snakes in hell on account of one of these.
Not bad advice at all.
Frankly, the discussion here on this thread made me finally do what should have been obvious (but wasn’t): check local regs.
Turns out....our esteemed City (happens to be Raleigh, NC) doesn’t allow the discharge of even a BB gun (or air rifle) within the city limits....however, it seems to offer an exception for use against varmints if you get a 90-day permit, etc.
As a side note, was perusing Wally World’s Web site, and most of the ‘decent’ BB or air rifles cannot be sold in NC.
Guess this is just a seriously wussified State. Sigh......
Then try one of these.
Can't say I ever whacked a squirrel with one, but there's bunnies in heaven and snakes in hell on account of one of these.
All them damn half way yankees escaping high tax progressive hell up north have brought their wussification along with them and then spread the disease wherever they end up.
However, if the recent primary and continuing DNC meltdown are any indication, I have a good feeling that NC is going to take a few more steps to get back to its roots this November.
The simple, cheap, most effective answer is the Crossman pump. You don't have to kill them to clear your yard. Three pumps will sting their tails at 25 yards. They will avoid your yard for a good while. BBs are cheap.
Don't bother with a scope. Wouldn't try to hit them at a greater distance due to the possibility that the BB will carry into someone's yard.
If anyone asks, you are just simply stinging them into another part of the neighborhood.
Woodpeckers are a different story.