Small Game Hunting.  Small game hunting is on the rise in the United States and there is some speculation as to why, no one will probably know for sure but the ones that are doing it, know for themselves the freedom that this great nation offers to hunters is like no other nation in the world.  When you look at all the small game species there are to hunt, which includes; upland birds, waterfowl and varmints it leaves little doubt as to the value of money spent for small game hunting.  Small game hunting is usually where most up and coming hunters start. The amount of equipment needed is minimal;  1. a single shot .22 rimfire rifle or shotgun,  2. ammunition,  3. a general hunting license for most states will cover almost all small game hunting,  4. safety clothing requirement for your state.  Here are a couple of other reasons as to the possible renewed interest in small game hunting.  a. Coyotes are now everywhere in the United States. They provide quite a challenge to any small game hunter as they are difficult to hunt, most hunters like myself who have hunted big game primarily for years, now find themselves in the small game fields and woods hunting coyote.  b. The new .17 caliber rimfire revolution, while the .22 rimfire ruled for small game hunting for years, the new .17's are a breath of fresh air. Shoot flat, hit hard and are quieter than the .22's. Copyright 2001 - 2007.