What Animals Can You Catch With a Net Gun? (Full Use Case Guide)
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If you have ever searched for a humane, non-lethal way to capture an animal, you have probably wondered whether a net gun is the right tool. The short answer is yes. Net guns are used all over the world by wildlife managers, farmers, ranchers, pest control operators, and landowners to capture animals alive without injury.
But not all animals are the same, and not every net gun setup is built for every job. This guide breaks down exactly what you can catch with a net gun, what size and range you need, and which setup from TheNetGunStore.com is right for your situation.
How a Net Gun Works for Animal Capture
A net gun fires a weighted capture net at a target animal and wraps around it, immobilizing it for safe handling. The net deploys instantly, giving the animal no time to react. Because it uses no projectile impact and no chemical tranquilizer, the animal arrives unharmed and ready for relocation, tagging, treatment, or transport.
The key specs that determine what you can catch are net size, effective range, and deployment speed. Our net guns fire at distances of 25 to 35 feet depending on the model, and the nets are large enough to fully engulf most mid-size to large animals.
Deer
Deer are one of the most common targets for net gun operators. Wildlife agencies, research teams, and landowners use net guns to capture deer for GPS collar tagging, population studies, relocation, or injury treatment. Net guns are far preferred over chemical sedation because there is no drug recovery time and no risk of the animal running into traffic or fences after being darted.
For deer capture, you want a net gun with at least a 25-foot range and a net large enough to wrap the body and legs. The Platinum Pack is the most popular setup for this application because it gives you everything you need in one kit, including replacement nets and a full instructional setup.
Wild Hogs
Feral hogs are a massive and growing problem across the southern United States. They destroy crops, root up pastures, and reproduce fast. Most hog control methods are lethal. Net guns give you a non-lethal option that also allows you to relocate, sell, or process the animal on your own terms.
Wild hogs are aggressive and strong, so you want to be positioned correctly before you fire. A net gun lets you capture from a safe distance. Many operators use a feeder or bait site to position the hog, then fire from a blind or elevated stand at close range.
Coyotes
Coyote control is a constant challenge for ranchers and livestock owners. Net guns give you a live capture option that is useful for relocation programs, research tagging, or turning the animal over to wildlife authorities. Coyotes are fast, so timing is everything. The net deploys instantly, which is why a net gun works where other tools fail.
Large Birds
Net guns are widely used for capturing large birds including Canada geese, wild turkeys, eagles, hawks, and other raptors. Wildlife rehabilitators use them to recover injured birds that cannot be approached on foot. Pest control operators use them for goose management programs at golf courses, airports, and parks.
Birds require a slightly different technique since they can flush fast. Operators typically target birds that are feeding, roosting, or in a confined area where flight distance is limited.
Sheep, Goats, and Livestock
On ranches and farms, net guns are used to capture escaped or feral livestock that cannot be herded or cornered. If an animal is injured and needs to be caught for treatment, a net gun is often the fastest and least stressful option for both the animal and the handler.
Exotic and Zoo Animals
Zoos, wildlife parks, and exotic animal facilities use net guns for animal management and emergency capture. When an animal needs medical treatment but cannot be safely sedated or cornered, a net gun provides a controlled capture option without the risks of chemical immobilization.
What Net Gun Setup Do You Need?
For most animal capture applications, we recommend starting with one of two options:
The Platinum Pack is our most popular kit and the go-to choice for serious operators. It includes everything you need for professional animal capture including nets, cartridges, and all accessories in one package.
The Hero Net Gun is a great entry point if you are capturing smaller animals or getting started with net gun operations for the first time.
Tips for a Successful Capture
Get within range. Net guns are most effective at 15 to 25 feet. Resist the urge to fire from too far out. Closing the distance before you fire is the most important factor in a clean capture.
Wait for the right position. Broadside is better than head-on or quartering-away. You want the net to wrap the body, not just clip the target.
Pre-set your approach. Use terrain, feeders, or blinds to control where the animal is standing when you take the shot. Do not try to chase down a moving target.
Have a handler ready. Once the net deploys, move in immediately and secure the animal. A net captures but does not restrain permanently. The faster you move in, the cleaner the operation goes.
Bottom Line
Net guns are one of the most versatile animal capture tools available. From deer and hogs to coyotes, birds, and livestock, they give you a humane, non-lethal option that works when other methods fail.
If you are ready to get set up, the Platinum Pack is the place to start. It has everything you need and is the kit our professional customers come back for.
