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No, you cannot kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder.
The iconic BB gun simply doesn’t have enough power to deliver a fatal shot to a squirrel.
While the Daisy Red Ryder is a classic for plinking cans and target practice, it’s not designed for hunting small game.
If you’ve been wondering if you can kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder, the short answer is no, but let’s dig into why.
In this post, we’ll break down the ballistics, the risks, and what actually happens when you try to kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder.
Let’s get into it.
Why You Can’t Kill a Squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder
There are several reasons why killing a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder is nearly impossible.
1. The Muzzle Velocity Is Too Low
The Daisy Red Ryder shoots at roughly 350 feet per second (fps).
For ethical and effective squirrel hunting, most experts recommend a minimum of 600 fps.
At 350 fps, the BB simply lacks the kinetic energy to penetrate a squirrel’s skull or vital organs.
Even a direct hit to the head would likely just bounce off or cause a painful but non‑fatal wound.
2. The BB Is Too Small and Light
The standard steel BB used in the Daisy Red Ryder weighs about 0.35 grams.
Compare that to a .177 caliber pellet, which is heavier and designed for hunting.
A lightweight BB loses energy quickly and doesn’t transfer enough force on impact to kill a squirrel.
Plus, the round shape of a BB tends to ricochet rather than penetrate.
3. Squirrels Are Tough Little Animals
Squirrels have thick fur, dense muscle, and a strong skull.
They are built to survive falls from trees and scrapes with predators.
A Daisy Red Ryder simply can’t deliver a clean, humane kill on a squirrel.
Attempting to kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder would most likely result in a wounded, suffering animal.
What Happens If You Try to Kill a Squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder
Even if you manage a direct hit, the outcome is far from a clean kill.
1. You’ll Cause Pain and Injury Without a Quick Death
A BB from a Daisy Red Ryder can break the skin or cause a bruise.
But it won’t penetrate deep enough to reach the brain or heart.
The squirrel will likely run off and slowly die from infection or internal bleeding.
This is not only inhumane, but it’s also illegal in many places to cause unnecessary suffering.
2. The BB Will Likely Ricochet
Because the Daisy Red Ryder shoots a round BB, it has a high chance of bouncing off hard surfaces.
If you shoot at a squirrel, the BB could ricochet off a branch or the ground.
That puts you and anyone nearby at risk of being hit by a stray BB.
3. The Squirrel Will Learn to Avoid You
Squirrels are smart and cautious.
If you try to kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder and miss or only wound it, that squirrel will become wary.
It may avoid your yard or become nocturnal to escape your attempts.
Better Options If You Need to Kill a Squirrel
If you have a legitimate need to remove a squirrel (such as a pest problem), there are humane and effective methods.
1. Use a Proper Air Rifle
A .177 or .22 caliber air rifle with at least 600–800 fps can humanely kill a squirrel with a head shot.
These are designed for small game hunting and deliver enough energy for a clean kill.
2. Live Trapping and Relocation
Check your local laws, but many areas allow you to trap a squirrel and release it far from your home.
This avoids killing altogether and is often the most ethical choice.
3. Call a Professional
Wildlife removal experts have the tools and knowledge to handle squirrel problems humanely.
They can also seal entry points to prevent future issues.
So, Can You Kill a Squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder?
No, you cannot reliably or humanely kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder.
The low velocity, small BB size, and the toughness of squirrels make it a poor choice for any kind of hunting.
Attempting to kill a squirrel with a Daisy Red Ryder leads to suffering and potential safety risks.
Hope this post has helped you understand why it’s best to leave your Daisy Red Ryder for fun targets and use the right tool if you truly need to deal with squirrels.