What Size Net Do You Need? Matching Net Size and Mesh to the Animal

Choosing the right net gun net size comes down to matching both the net dimensions and the mesh opening to the animal you plan to catch. Our nets come in three sizes, and each one uses a different mesh. Pick the wrong one and the animal either slips through the holes or the net does not reach.

This guide walks through all three options, what each one is built for, and how net size quietly changes your effective range. If you are still deciding on a package, you can browse our full net gun lineup first.

Quick Answer: What Size Net Gun Net Do You Need?

Use a 6 ft x 6 ft net with 1 inch mesh for small birds and rodents. Use an 8 ft x 8 ft net with 2 inch mesh for dogs, cats, and geese, which covers most jobs. Use a 10 ft x 10 ft net with 8 inch mesh for calves, hogs, deer, and human-sized targets. When in doubt, the 8 ft medium net is the safest all-around pick.

What Are the Three Net Sizes and Mesh Options?

There are three net sizes, and the mesh opening scales up with the net. Small nets use tight 1 inch mesh, medium nets use 2 inch mesh, and large nets use 8 inch mesh.

Net Size	Dimensions	Mesh Opening	Built For	Range Notes
Small	6 ft x 6 ft	1 inch square	Small birds, rodents, squirrels, pigeons	Flies farthest of the three
Medium	8 ft x 8 ft	2 inch square	Dogs, cats, geese, turkeys, most animal control work	Balanced range and coverage, most popular
Large	10 ft x 10 ft	8 inch square	Calves, hogs, deer, human-sized targets	Plan on the shorter end of the range

All three sizes fire from the same launcher, powered by 16 gram non-threaded CO2 cartridges. Nothing about the gun changes when you switch net sizes. Only the net head changes.

Why Does Mesh Size Matter as Much as Net Size?

Mesh size decides whether the animal is actually held once the net lands. Mesh that is too large lets a small animal push a head or leg through and work free. Mesh that is too small adds weight and air drag, which cuts how far the net flies.

Mesh Too Large

An 8 inch mesh will not reliably hold a pigeon or a rat. The animal simply passes through the opening. That is why the small net pairs with tight 1 inch mesh even though the net itself covers less ground.

Mesh Too Small

A tight mesh on a big net would be heavy and would catch a lot of air in flight. The result is a shorter shot and a net that opens less fully. The 8 inch mesh on the large net is what lets a 10 ft net still spread and travel.

The Practical Rule

Match mesh to the narrowest part of the animal, usually the head. If the head fits through the opening, move down a mesh size. For more on what each setup can realistically handle, see our guide on what animals you can catch with a net gun.

How Does Net Size Affect Range?

Small nets fly farther than large nets, every time. Maximum net travel is up to 35 feet, with an effective capture range of 15 to 25 feet and an optimal shot distance of about 20 feet. Those numbers hold across all three packages because they all use the same launcher.

The difference is where inside that window each net performs best. A 6 ft net is lighter and can reach toward the top of the range. A 10 ft net carries more material and more weight, so plan your shot on the shorter end, closer to 15 to 20 feet.

Net size does not change the launcher. It changes the payload. Our full breakdown of how far a net gun can shoot covers this in more detail.

Which Net Size Should You Pick for Your Job?

Pick by the animal you handle most often, then keep a second size on hand for the exception. Most professional users end up carrying at least two sizes.

• Wildlife rehab and bird work: small 6 ft net for songbirds and pigeons, medium 8 ft for geese and turkeys.
• Animal control and shelters: medium 8 ft net covers loose dogs, cats, and most calls.
• Ranch and farm: large 10 ft net for calves, hogs, and goats.
• Deer and fawn work: large 10 ft net only.
• Pest and rodent control: small 6 ft net with 1 inch mesh.

One honest limit worth stating in 2026. Our handheld CO2 units top out around deer, calf, hog, and human-sized targets using the large net. Full-grown cattle, bulls, horses, elk, moose, and bison need commercial blank-powered rigs that start around $3,000 and are often fired from aircraft. That is a different class of equipment and we do not sell it.

Can You Mix Net Sizes in One Package?

Yes. Customers choose net sizes at checkout and can mix sizes across net heads. That means a single package can carry a small net, a couple of mediums, and a large.

Here is how that plays out across the three packages. The Starter Pack at $799 includes 1 preloaded net head and one net size choice. The Hero Net Gun at $849 includes 4 preloaded net heads, an extra set of net weights, and a locking metal carrying case, so you can spread four different sizes across the heads.

The Net Gun Mega Pack at $949 is the one to pick if you want real size flexibility. It includes 4 preloaded net heads plus 4 additional reusable nets for 8 total, 12 x 16g CO2 cartridges, extra net weights, a locking metal carrying case, and a 1 year parts replacement warranty. Eight nets means you can carry every size and still have spares.

CO2 is sold separately on the Starter Pack and the Hero. Learn more about what ammo a net launcher uses before you order.

Common Questions About Net Gun Net Size

What size net gun net is best for a dog?

The medium 8 ft x 8 ft net with 2 inch mesh is the standard choice for dogs. It gives enough spread to cover a moving animal without the extra weight of the large net. For a very large dog, the 10 ft net also works.

What size net do I need for a deer?

Use the large 10 ft x 10 ft net with 8 inch mesh. Deer are at the upper end of what a handheld CO2 launcher can handle, so shoot closer to 15 to 20 feet rather than pushing toward maximum range.

Can I use one net size for everything?

The 8 ft medium net is the most versatile single option, which is why it is the most popular. It will not hold small birds reliably and it is undersized for deer, but it covers the majority of animal control and rescue work.

Are net gun nets reusable?

Yes. Nets can be refolded and reloaded after a capture as long as they are not torn. The Mega Pack ships with 4 additional reusable nets on top of the 4 preloaded heads. Our guide on how to reload a net gun covers refolding step by step.

Does a bigger net mean a shorter shot?

Yes. Small nets fly farther than large nets because they weigh less and catch less air. Maximum travel is up to 35 feet in ideal conditions, but with the large 10 ft net you should plan on the shorter end of the 15 to 25 foot effective range.

Are net guns legal to own?

Net guns are generally not classified as firearms, but regulations vary by state and by use. Always check your local laws before buying or deploying one, especially for wildlife capture, which often carries its own permitting rules.

Pick Your Net Sizes and Get Set Up

The right net size is the difference between a clean capture and a second attempt. If you handle a mix of animals, the Net Gun Mega Pack at $949 gives you 8 nets, 12 CO2 cartridges, a locking case, and a 1 year parts warranty, so you can carry every size at once.

Shipping is free domestic and international, with up to 14 business days to ship and 2 to 3 weeks internationally. Choose your sizes at checkout at TheNetGunStore.com.