An eight year old black bear sow was taken by a poacher in the Rio Grande River in the area of the Mountain Views at River’s Edge RV Resort using little more than an low powered air rifle. According to officals, the female bear, weighing around 279 pounds, was killed by a shot to the chest by the .22 air rifle pellet.
Officals were shocked to find that such a large animal was taken by such a low powered weapon. Just because a .22 air rifle was used to take down this bear, does not mean hunters should ethically use a .22 air rifle to hunt bears. This black bear was killed illegally according to Colorado state law.
In the state of Colorado, it is not legal to hunt black bears with air guns. Willful destruction of a big-game animal such as black bears, is a felony in Colorado and can result in a lifetime suspension of hunting and fishing privileges. A conviction of such crime could result in fines ranging from $750 to $3,000 and jail time.
To read more about Colorado’s laws regarding air guns and air hunt hunting, click here.
Hunting black bear with an air rifle is illegal in most other states as well. To find out what is legal and illegal regarding air guns in your state, click here.