The Complete Guide to Net Guns: Humane Capture Solutions for Wildlife, Pest Control, and Security

Trying to safely capture a stray dog, relocate injured wildlife, or control nuisance birds without causing harm? A net gun offers the most humane solution available, a non-lethal device that fires a weighted net to gently restrain animals, birds, or even human targets in security situations.

Whether you're an animal control officer, pest management professional, wildlife rescuer, or security specialist, understanding how net guns work and which model fits your needs can make the difference between a successful, stress-free capture and a dangerous chase.

What Is a Net Gun?

A net gun is a handheld or shoulder-mounted device that fires a weighted net to safely entangle and restrain targets without causing injury. Powered by CO₂ or compressed air, the net expands mid-flight, wraps around the target, and immobilizes it humanely.

Originally designed for wildlife researchers tracking animals in remote locations, net guns have evolved into essential tools for:

• Animal control officers managing stray and dangerous animals
• Pest control professionals handling nuisance birds
• Law enforcement agencies requiring non-lethal restraint options
• Wildlife rehabilitators rescuing injured animals
• Security teams protecting high-value properties

Unlike tranquilizers (which require veterinary oversight and carry risks of overdose) or physical restraint (which endangers both handler and animal), net guns provide a safe, effective middle ground.

How Does a Net Gun Work?

A net gun uses compressed gas, typically CO₂ to fire a compacted net through the air at speeds designed to capture without causing blunt force trauma. Weighted projectiles attached to each corner of the net pull it outward during flight, creating a wide capture radius that wraps securely around the target upon impact.

Main Components

Barrel: Directs the net forward with precision

CO₂ Chamber: Provides the launching pressure 

Net Head: Contains weighted projectiles and the folded net

Safety Pin & Trigger: Ensure controlled firing and prevent accidental discharge 

Pressure Gauge: Monitors gas levels for consistent performance

Performance Specifications

• Typical Range: 10–30 feet, depending on model and gas pressure
• Reload Time: Under 30 seconds for most professional systems
• Net Deployment: Full expansion in under 0.5 seconds
• Capture Success Rate: 85-95% when operated by trained personnel

Step-by-Step Deployment

1. Load a fresh CO₂ cartridge and inspect the net for tangles
2. Aim at the target's center mass from optimal range (12-20 feet for most models)
3. Disengage safety and squeeze trigger smoothly
4. Net deploys in a circular pattern, weighted corners flying outward
5. Net wraps around target, weighted corners tangling to secure the capture
6. Approach safely and carefully extract the animal or subject

The entire process from trigger pull to secure capture takes less than 3 seconds.

Real-World Applications: Who Uses Net Guns and Why

Animal Control & Wildlife Rescue

Animal control officers across North America use net guns daily to safely capture stray dogs, aggressive livestock, and wildlife that have wandered into residential areas, all without the stress and injury risks associated with catch poles or tranquilizers.

Wildlife rehabilitators use net guns to rescue injured deer, coyotes, and other mid-sized animals that are too stressed or dangerous to approach directly. The quick capture minimizes the animal's stress response and allows for faster medical intervention.

Pest Control & Bird Management

Commercial pest management teams rely on net guns to capture pigeons, seagulls, starlings, and other nuisance birds in large structures like warehouses, shopping centers, airports, and agricultural facilities.

When combined with deterrents and exclusion techniques, net guns create a comprehensive and ethical bird management system that satisfies both regulatory requirements and public expectations for humane treatment.

Law Enforcement, Tactical, and Security Operations

Law enforcement agencies and private security firms use tactical net guns to subdue suspects, control aggressive individuals, or manage crowd situations non-lethally. These tools prevent escalation while protecting both officers and civilians from injury.

Tactical models offer extended range (up to 30 feet) and rapid reload capabilities essential for high-stakes situations.

Types of Net Guns: Finding the Right Model for Your Needs

Handheld Net Guns

Best For: Animal control officers, pest management professionals, individual property owners

Lightweight (3-6 pounds) and portable, handheld models offer excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. Most feature single-hand operation with CO₂ power, making them ideal for quick-response situations like capturing stray dogs in residential neighborhoods or birds inside warehouses.

Advantages: Easy to carry, fast deployment, lower cost

Limitations: Shorter range (10-15 feet), smaller net diameter

Click here to find the right model for you.

Shoulder-Mounted Net Launchers

Best For: Wildlife officers, tactical law enforcement, professional animal handlers

Shoulder-mounted systems provide greater power and range (20-30 feet) with larger net diameters suitable for bigger animals or human targets. The two-hand stabilization allows for more accurate long-range shots.

Advantages: Extended range, larger capture area, higher success rate on big target

Limitations: Heavier (8-12 pounds), requires more training, higher price point

Remote or Drone-Mounted Net Systems

Best For: Wildlife research, hard-to-access locations, aerial pest control

Advanced systems can be mounted on stationary platforms or drones for aerial deployment. These specialized tools are used in wildlife research for capturing birds in flight or accessing animals in dangerous terrain.

Advantages: Access to difficult locations, minimal human presence Limitations: Requires technical expertise, regulatory compliance for aerial use, highest cost

Reusable vs. Disposable Net Systems

Reusable Nets: Save long-term costs and reduce waste. Professional-grade nets withstand 50-100+ deployments with proper care. Best for regular users who can maintain equipment properly.

Disposable Nets: Allow faster reloads in the field (under 10 seconds). Ideal for high-volume operations or situations where net retrieval isn't practical. Each pre-loaded cartridge ensures consistent performance.

How to Choose the Right Net Gun for Your Application

Choosing the right net gun depends on your specific use case, operational environment, and budget. Consider these critical factors:

1. Use Case & Target Type

Small Animals & Birds (under 15 lbs): Handheld models with 10-12 ft nets

Medium Animals (15-80 lbs): Shoulder-mounted with 12-15 ft nets

Large Animals (80+ lbs): Professional shoulder-mounted with 15-18 ft nets

Human Targets: Tactical models with rapid reload and extended range

👉Shop here for each use case.

2. Range & Power Requirements

Higher PSI equals longer range but also more impact force. Match your power level to your target:

• Low Power (80-100 PSI): Small birds, cats, small dogs
• Medium Power (100-130 PSI): Medium dogs, livestock, pest birds
• High Power (130-150 PSI): Large dogs, deer, human subjects

3. Net Size & Mesh Type

Fine Mesh (1-2 inch openings): Birds, small animals—prevents escape through gap

Medium Mesh (2-4 inch openings): Dogs, medium wildlife—balances strength and weight

Large Mesh (4+ inch openings): Large animals, tactical use—maximum durability

4. Reload Speed & Cartridge System

For professionals responding to multiple calls daily, reload speed matters:

• Pre-loaded Cartridge Systems: 10-15 seconds (best for high-volume)
• Manual Reload Systems: 25-35 seconds (most economical)
• Magazine Systems: 5-10 seconds (tactical applications only)

5. Weight & Portability

Lightweight (3-5 lbs): Easy single-hand use, reduced fatigue, limited range

Medium Weight (6-9 lbs): Balanced performance, manageable for most operators

Heavy Duty (10+ lbs): Maximum power and range, requires physical conditioning

6. Operating Environment

Urban/Indoor: Shorter range models, quieter CO₂ systems

Rural/Outdoor: Longer range models, pneumatic systems for extended operation

Extreme Weather: Models with cold-resistant seals and corrosion protection

Ready to order your Net Gun? Click here to shop our selection of top Net Guns from the original Net Gun Store.