yes skitch, If you want to do it right you should take a hunter ed. course. It may even get you the in"s with your mom. If I were you I would look at the(gamo) air rifels, the .177 coated pellets can get up to 1200 fps. Well placed head shots will take out coons no problem. I have one, the barrel breaks down to load the pellet and cocks at the same time. I have taken many squirls, rabbits, and once even a skunk. dropped it like a cold turd. Good luck.