Varminter, a contraction of the term varmint hunter, is someone who hunts varmints. Varminter is also used as a term to describe hunting equipment either specifically designed for, or suitable for varmint hunting. Examples are varminter rifle and varminter bullets.

The term varmint is a US colloquial term for vermin, though it refers more specifically to mammal or bird pests, including:

• predators, such as coyotes, which can kill farm animals
• rodents, such as prairie dogs and groundhogs, that can damage cropland or pastures or carry disease
• invasive species of animals that are displacing desirable native species

The definitive varmints are ground burrowing animals such as groundhogs and prairie dogs. These animals are small and difficult to approach closely, and hunting them requires a long range, highly accurate rifle. Because of this, most products labeled varminter will generally fit the following characterisitcs:

• high velocity, for a flat trajectory (see external ballistics)
• lightweight bullets, designed for minimum pentration (see terminal ballistics)
• extreme accuracy, for the ability to hit small targets at long range (see accurize)

While many varmint hunters hunt by necessity, as they are the owners of the property being damaged, most varmint hunters hunt for sport (generally at the inviation of the landowner) or for bounty, which may be offered either by a landowner or by a government agency charged with controlling the varmints.

See also

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• pest control
• varmint rifle
• rat-catcher

References

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Since varmint hunting is a form of pest control, and minimally regulated by law, the definition of what constitues a "Varminter" product tends to vary by regional pests. Perhaps the definitive varmints are prairie dogs and groundhogs, as those are some of the most popular examples of varmints hunted for sport. The best gauge of who is or is not considered a "Varminter" or what is or is not a "Varminter" product is the current usage of the term.

"Varminter" targeted events and products

• Varminter.com, an online varmint hunting magazine.
• Washtenaw Sportsman's Club "Varminter Biathlon", a sporting match designed to simulate varmint hunting conditions.

Products marketed as "Varminter" models

• GunBlast article on Bushmaster AR-15 based Varminter model; includes extended heavy barrel, adjustable trigger, and no iron sights (being designed for dedicated use with telescopic sights).
• American Rifleman article on Savage Model 12 Varminter, in the new .204 Ruger caliber; includes adjustable trigger, and free floated extended heavy barrel, no iron sights, and a benchrest style stock.
• Sierra Varminter line of bullets; light weight, hollow point and soft point bullets designed for high velocities, minimal penetration, and maximum expansion needed for varmints.
• Ruger #1 Varminter single shot rifle; eqipped with scope base and rings for telescopic sight, available in high velocity calibers with extended heavy barrels. While the trigger is factory set and locked, the trigger does include sear engagement and overtravel adjustment screws, which can be adjusted by a gunsmith.

Hunting