Rimfire hunting regulations overview: what .22s are legal for, by game and state

Quick answer

Rimfires are widely legal for small game (squirrels, rabbits) and often for furbearers and varmints, but most states prohibit rimfires for deer and other big game by setting centerfire minimums. Rules differ by state, species, season and sometimes county. Always read your state's current regulations before you hunt.

We haven't tested this hands-on yet. Everything below comes from manufacturer specs, regulations and published sources, cited inline. Prices are maker MSRPs as listed in October 2026 unless noted.

This is general information, not legal advice. Regulations change each season.

The usual pattern

Small game: .22 rimfire is typically legal. Arkansas's code, for example, permits rimfire for small game like rabbit and squirrel ^[1].
Big game: most states require centerfire. Minnesota requires centerfire firearms of .22 caliber or larger for big game ^[2]. Indiana requires centerfire rifle cartridges for deer ^[3]. West Virginia prohibits rimfire rifles under .25 caliber for deer ^[4].
Species-specific rules: Oregon lists legal methods and weapon restrictions species by species ^[5].

Other rules that catch rimfire hunters

Suppressors: legal for hunting in most but not all states; see suppressor hunting laws by state ^[6].
Shooting hours, blaze orange and Sunday hunting are separate state rules; read the digest.
Backstops: a .22 LR bullet can carry a long way. Hunter education material stresses a safe backstop for every shot ^[7]. See how far a .22 can shoot.

Choosing a cartridge

.22 LR covers squirrels and rabbits; .22 WMR and .17 HMR stretch range for varmints. Compare them in .17 HMR vs .22 LR vs .22 WMR and .22 WMR guide. For squirrel rifles see best .22 for squirrels and small-game and varmint hunting.

Our range results (coming soon)

This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.

FAQ

Is a .22 legal for deer?

In most states, no. Many set centerfire minimums, for example Minnesota, Indiana and West Virginia. Check your state.

Can I hunt squirrels with a .22?

Generally yes. Arkansas's code, for example, permits rimfire for small game. Always confirm in your state's current digest.

Where do I find my state's rules?

Your state wildlife agency publishes an annual hunting regulations digest. That document, not a website summary, is what counts.

Sources

Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.

Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]